Fighting Loneliness
By Dr. Bruce
At some point in our lives we all experience some form of loneliness...for companionship, friendship, company, for the presence of God, or just someone to listen. I have added a few tips to help just in case you might need to know how to handle a case of loneliness.
1. Don’t pretend – It’s ok to feel lonely. Let God know where you are.
2. You may feel lonely, but you are not alone. Declare that you are not alone.
3. Identify your purpose clearly and concisely – What are you passionate about? By engaging in purposeful living, connections will be made that sustain relationships with people who are significant to you.
4. Start working on your purpose (or assignment) Do something every day. The happiest people are the ones who make a difference in someone's life.
5. Stop trying to make everyone else happy. Do things that make you happy...the thing you were put here for.
6. Serve – Refer to Luke 6:38 “Give and it shall be given unto you…” Giving your time is as good as money.
7. Fight with the Word of God – refer to the scriptures below. Refuse to give into any negative feelings brought on by loneliness.
8. Lose your shame – maybe you don't have the kind of relationships as some others. You are just as important as the next person. No "pity parties". Get up, and go volunteer at the hospital. There are plenty of people to talk to there.
9. Tear down the walls of insecurity and build a bridge to your destiny. Move beyond your past. Forgive those who hurt you.
10. Find your lost self. Like the person that you are alone with…you. Do some of the things you've always wanted to do (i,e., take that trip, parasail, run a marathon, etc.). You will be surprised with the many things that you can do when you release yourself.
11. Know that someone cares, and is waiting for you. When you actively live your life, you will invariably connect with people who will later say, "It seems like we've known each other all our lives." There are people within blocks of where you live that would love to be in your company.
12. Love should always be intentional. "A man who has friends must himself be friendly..." Proverbs 18:24. Any time you reach out in a loving way to others, you can expect them to return the kindness.
Scriptures
The following 7 Scripture verses assure you of God’s presence, even at your loneliest hour.
1. “Your God, the Lord himself, will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”
See Deuteronomy 31:6 (GNTD)
2. “When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them.”
Psalm 91:15(a) (GNTD)
3. “If the Lord had not helped me, I would have gone quickly to the land of silence. I said, ‘I am falling’; but your constant love, O Lord, held me up.”
4. “Do not be afraid. I will save you. I have called you by name—you are mine. When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. For I am the Lord, your God. … because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honor, do not be afraid—I am with you!”
See Isaiah 43:1-5 (GNTD)
5. “I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”
See Matthew 28:20 (GNTD)
6. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
John 14:18 (ESV)
7. “No one stood by me the first time I defended myself; all deserted me. ... But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength.”
See 2 Timothy 4:16,17 (GNTD)
