The Prison of Loneliness
By Shaun Shuler
“Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.”
Psalms 142:4 NIV
Death of a loved one, betrayal from a spouse, stabbed in the back by a friend or family member, an unfulfilled desire for friendship or romantic companionship - these are just a few causes why many suffer with loneliness.
Sometimes we can even be in a crowd whether it be of strangers or among our family and friends and still be consumed with being lonely. It is like a poison rotting away at the soul.
It is in our nature to try to fix our own problems, including loneliness. However, without the proper guidance, we usually just make things worse for ourselves. We may turn to social media, but even with hundreds of “friends” or “followers”, it will not truly fill that void for a deep connection we desire. In fact, it makes our situation even worse when we rely on the quantity of likes and comments to gauge whether we are accepted by others. Among your “online friends”, how many really know you and will stick with you closer than a brother?
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24 NIV
We may also turn to destructive behaviors like drugs, alcohol, overeating, not eating at all, to combat our loneliness, but this only pushes us further down the hole of despair. We may compromise our beliefs and morals just to “fit in” or to “be accepted”. We may go on a dating spree and end up with a lot of superficial relationships. We may become angry and bitter about our circumstance of being alone and start lashing out at others, which in turn pushes people away and further adds to our lonely predicament.
Christian or non-Christian, young or old, rich or poor, regardless of color or nationality, we are all susceptible to the struggle with loneliness.
So, what do we do if we are drowning in isolation?
Where do we turn to break the chains of this hopelessness?
Who can free us from the prison of loneliness?
Only GOD the Creator can truly Heal our loneliness
GOD Knew us before we were born
He is with us even when everyone else abandons us
He is with us no matter what we face
He Comforts us
He protects Us
He cares for us
He will never fail us
He has great plans for our lives
He is our rescuer
He Calls us His friend
And you want to know Why?
Because GOD Truly Loves us
So if you are weary from struggling with the excruciating pain of loneliness, turn to the LORD for comfort and rest and receive the peace He offers. He loves you and will never forsake you!
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to GOD; and the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the GOD of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:6-9 NKJV
Need more Encouragement or Advice?
GOD’s Love for You
One Irrefutable Truth in the Midst of Trouble
Anger
Anxiety
Hope
Encouragement from King David
15 Promises from the Bible {Part 1)
Protection
Jonah: Beyond the Great Fish
Failure
3 Ways to Tame Pride
Faith over Fear
JESUS and HIS Resurrection
Where is GOD in my Suffering?
When will the World End?
Thank you for visiting and please leave any comments, questions, prayer requests, or ideas for new topics you’d like for me to discuss in the comment box below.
Check Out More Articles
