LONELINESS “Alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide, wide sea: And never a saint takes pity On my soul in agony.” Ancient Mariner

Loneliness Milton - “Loneliness is the first thing that God's eye named not good.” Genesis 2:18a And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone”

Loneliness - Job Job felt abandoned – Job 19: My relatives have failed, And my close friends have forgotten me 15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maidservants Count me as a stranger; I am an alien in their sight. 16 I call my servant, but he gives no answer; I beg him with my mouth. 17 My breath is offensive to my wife, And I am repulsive to the children of my own body. 18 Even young children despise me; I arise, and they speak against me. 19 All my close friends abhor me, And those whom I love have turned against me.

Loneliness - Elijah Elijah felt all alone in the world 1 Kings 19: And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 10 So he said, "I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life."

Loneliness - Jeremiah Jeremiah fled to Egypt in fear of his life Jeremiah 9:1-4 1 Oh, that my head were waters, And my eyes a fountain of tears, That I might weep day and night For the slain of the daughter of my people! 2 Oh, that I had in the wilderness A lodging place for travelers; That I might leave my people, And go from them! For they are all adulterers, An assembly of treacherous men. 3 "And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, And they do not know Me," says the Lord. 4 "Everyone take heed to his neighbor, And do not trust any brother; For every brother will utterly supplant, And every neighbor will walk with slanderers.

WHO is Lonely? All of us at some time in our lives. Death, divorce, separation from family, lack of communication Those who have been mistreated (abused, raped, assaulted) Those not willing to trust others will feel alone 23 million US adults live alone In America 22% ate alone last night

WHO is Lonely? It hits all of us at times Children – parents work, divorced, abandoned Teens – not kids, not adults, adolescents are often very lonely College – separation from parents, family, friends Newly married – new relationships must be formed Parents – empty nest Seniors – loss of friends, family, spouse

What effects can loneliness have? Withdraw – We are lonely, we shut out the world, become depressed – It becomes a vicious cycle Overactive – To compensate we take on every activity we can to stay busy, feel appreciated, feel needed, feel in contact with others Harmful Habits – Alcohol, drugs, overeating

How can we cope? Decide to overcome – This is a battle that must be fought from the inside Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

How can we cope? Take some action – outside your comfort zone Pick up the phone and call someone Write a letter to a long lost friend Go see a family from church Have a “party” at your home Turn your “alone” time into solitude Study, Pray, Read your Bible Write, Play piano, Read spiritual magazines

Conclusion Loneliness can be a dragon that kills our joy, purpose, contentment We must learn to be comfortable around ourselves We must look to the needs of others Don't focus on self Find a need a fill it Find a hurt and heal it