God has promised never to leave nor forsake His own. To stand alone among men may often be our lot, but you need never stand without God. He desires to be your constant companion, the Holy One who is God of the whole universe (Isaiah 54:1,5,6). It is God, the Holy Spirit, who will comfort you and walk along side you, even in loneliness (John 16:7).
What Scripture Says
"'For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has mercy on you" (Isaiah 54:10)."Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So that we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:5,6).
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9).
If you are lonely, Jesus Himself has given you an invitation you should not refuse. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20).
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18).
How To Overcome Loneliness
Jesus is your friend; He will stay closer to you than a brother. He came that you might have a life full of meaning, purpose and abundance (John 10:10). Recognize the fact that God favours you and desires to lead you out of loneliness and despair and into His abundance.When you show someone respect, it will bring you respect in return. Similarly, if you offer friendship, you will receive friendship in return. Therefore, it may be up to you to make the first effort to befriend someone. Pray that God will lead you to someone who needs a friend.
Friendship with others who love the Lord can do more than dispel your loneliness. It can provide opportunities for you to grow and serve others. Service to others is one of the best ways to overcome loneliness. Otherwise, the bittersweetness of loneliness and self-pity may become your constant diet. There are organizations that provide food and other services for shut-ins. They may offer an opportunity for you to provide help and friendship to others.
Every Christian has worth in the Body of Christ (the Church) and has a service to perform which will benefit the rest of the Church. Even if you are a shut-in, you can find another person in similar circumstances who can be a telephone companion. We can be your friend on the telephone too. Just call the Crossroads Ministry Centre. Together, we can share prayer needs and blessings.
You may be interested in becoming a member of a "prayer chain," interceding for others' needs. Your local church should be able to organize a prayer chain, if one is not already in existence.
If you are not sure you have received God's gift of eternal life, call on the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance of sins and ask for forgiveness (Romans 10:13; 1 John 1:8,9; John 1:12). After you have done this, then ask the Lord to baptize (immerse) you in the Holy Spirit as He promised (Luke 11:13). Your new life in Christ is only a prayer away. New life and a renewed mind are necessary for building a meaningful life. Study the Bible daily. Seek fellowship with others who also desire to grow in the Lord.
As You Pray
Refuse to indulge in self-pity. Instead, receive the love of God and the glory and witness of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice in praise and thanksgiving in all circumstances. God will work them for your good (Romans 8:28).Suggestions
Read Loved And Be Loved by Rich Buhler, Love Is A Decision by Gary Smalley and/or Prison To Praise by Merlin Carothers.Make a list of people you know who need salvation, etc. Claim God's promises for them. Record the first day of each prayer and the date you learn your prayer is answered.
Become a friend to prisoners by writing them letters. Besides encouraging them, also request their concerns for you to include in prayer.
Pray for all God's people, the peace of Israel, those in authority, etc. In short, become a prayer warrior and get out of the rut of self-pity. The bondage of loneliness will be broken as you find your place in God's Kingdom.
Other ministry brochures are available upon request: EMOTIONAL NEEDS, PRAISE, HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM, FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT, HEALING, and GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT. Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
