Are You Lonely?

Psalms 68:5-6

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows-
this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
God places the lonely in families;
he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
But he makes the rebellious live in a sun- scorched land.

Lonely? Interesting verse that seems to promise The Father has provided a remedy for the plague of Loneliness. This mental, spiritual and physical curse affects believers and unbelievers alike! It can take place for a brief period; be reoccurring or constant. The effects can range from sadness to clinical depression and even suicidal! Many are ashamed to admit having this feeling and trudge on alone through life with a fake smile and full range of mechanisms to cover it up.

The solution which may not be limited to believers only, is that a "family" unit is providentially made available by God to give the love, joy, acceptance, peace, purpose and safety that will dispel loneliness. There may be a specific action or step of faith on the part of the individual to "fit in" to the group (family) intended by Father God.

Some years ago a horrible blizzard struck Ohio and I remember reports that some froze to death just yards away from the warmth and safety of a home. For some reason they wandered away from that place into a hostile and deadly environment that cost them their very lives. We read of lonely young people who join dangerous gangs because of the acceptance they crave and cannot find in their biological family. Others have been captured by religious cults who offered a place to fit in, often with tragic results. Finally, others entered personal relationships that were highly abusive while simply seeking for love and acceptance.

The scripture mentions "prisoners" who are enslaved by behaviors or habits and are bound because of their own choices or inherited weakness. God promises to set them free and give them joy. It is not possible to be "lonely" and "joyful" at the same time.

There seem to be three major factors or players in this tragedy of loneliness that are necessary to obtain victory:

1. A loving Father who desires His creation to be happy and fulfilled. He has given mankind "free will" to accept His blessings by faith. We also have the choice to obey or reject His Commands and Principles.

2. The individual suffering from loneliness. They may have providentially been born into a loving family. Some have been raised in Faith from birth. Others, through no fault of their own have been placed in horrible circumstances of abuse and pain. He or she upon hearing of God's Love and positive plan for their life can begin to live in faith, praying and seeking for that place God has prepared for them to fit in. The Father's Promises are clear and unstoppable when accepted and sought after in faith!

3. Us! You and me! The observers! The witnesses! The individuals who previously escaped the clutches of loneliness and see this attacking those we love or those brought in contact with us in life. It is like the "Good Samaritan" on the road to Damascus who stops in the middle of a business trip to offer help to a foreigner who had been robbed and badly beaten. It could be the father of the prodigal son who stubbornly demanded his inheritance early and stormed out of the safety and plenty of home. I believe the father never really gave up on his son. He continued to hope and pray keeping the door open for his return and restoration.

Loneliness can be defeated in our lives, our loved ones and those we are in contact with. Prayer is a great first step! Tell the Father about it in your life or others! Ask Him to show you what to do. Be sure you are where you belong. Are you filling your God-ordained role in your family or body of believers. Be more attentive to those around you. Do you really listen to what they are saying? Take "baby steps" by calling, texting, visiting. Offer a smile or greeting to a stranger. Open your home and heart to others. You may be the one God has selected to bring that one lonely person in from the cold. Your actions or lack of action could mean the difference between life and death!

Daniel Corbett
Reaching One Among Millions