Lonely

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Loneliness

You may be home alone.

You may be in the middle of a crowd.

Loneliness isn’t a state of being but a state of mind.

A person in an astronaut suit sits alone on a flight of steps. But letters on the steps say 'I'm not alone'.

Some people experience loneliness for a short period of time. Perhaps as life circumstances change or at ‘family occasions’ such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. But Mind notes that chronic loneliness is not about the number of friends we have or whether we live alone, but something much more deep rooted.

Some people find it very difficult to feel God’s presence and love when they are experiencing loneliness. Others find that in such difficult times, the warmth of God’s love can be closer than ever.

Whether you feel it today or not, be assured that God is with you, pouring love upon you.

Take a deep breath and give yourself permission to engage in a deep question, knowing that God holds you in love. Where is your feeling of loneliness coming from? Is it a change in relationship or circumstance, or something about the time of year? Explain to God what’s going on in your mind and heart. If helpful, close your eyes, or speak aloud. Take another deep breath, acknowledging the pain in what you have shared. How would you like God to respond to what you have shared?

Here's a simple prayer, say it with me

God,

There is a pain in my soul that I don’t know how to heal.

It feels like there is no one I can turn to.

May I find ways to become comfortable in my own company, and to develop meaningful relationships with new and old friends.

I am told that you love me. I’m not sure I can feel it right now. But I thank you for your love.

Help me to feel your love more deeply.

Amen.

Read the quotes below

They all come from different books of the Bible, encouraging God’s people that God is with them. Do any of them speak to you today? Tell God how these promises make you feel. Tell God about both the positive and the negative emotions – God wants to know everything we are experiencing.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.”

Psalm 27:10 – “If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.”

Psalm 147:3-4 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.”

Matthew 28:20 – “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

John 14:20 – “you are in me, and I in you.”

Matthew 28:20 – “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

John 14:20 – “you are in me, and I in you.”

Pray for others feeling lonely

When you feel lonely, it can seem like everyone else in the world is experiencing the joy and community you’re missing. But there are many who feel isolated from loved ones, and from God.