Loneliness
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
A recent study indicated that there is an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. Even before the COVID pandemic, people across a wide spectrum of ages and circumstances reported feeling disconnected from others. Doctors recognize that loneliness causes many health-related problems, such as increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Does the Bible have anything to say about loneliness?
There are certainly people in the Bible who experienced loneliness. We might think of Elijah after the defeat of the prophets of Baal in I Kings 18. In her anger, Queen Jezebel sought to take Elijah’s life. He fled from her to a cave in the mountains. There he complained to God, “Your people have forsaken your worship, killed your prophets, and only I am left. Now they seek my life.” After one of his greatest victories, Elijah found himself alone, persecuted, and discouraged.
The patriarch Abraham had his moments of loneliness. For many years he waited on the promise of God to be fulfilled. These were long years of yearning with no fulfillment. All he had to lean upon was the promise of God. When finally God did give Abraham and Sarah a son, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice him as a burnt offering. We can imagine that the long walk to the top of the mountain, with the torch in his hand and his son by his side, must have been one of the longest and loneliest of Abraham’s life.
Jesus also experienced loneliness. He certainly must have felt like the entire world was against him at times. Even the disciples, though a comfort to him, did not understand his mission. It was up to him to fulfill it, and no one was able to help him. We might also picture Jesus at prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Even Peter could not stay awake to comfort him. Jesus was going to the cross, and he knew no one was going to be able to help him.
What resources does God give us to help with our loneliness? In these stories from the Bible, Elijah was comforted by God in his prayers from the cave. God sustained Abraham with many encouraging encounters until his son was finally born. Jesus had angels come and strengthen him in his time of intense prayer. These stories remind us that God comforts us with his presence in prayer, his promises of grace, and occasional “angels” who come along to strengthen us.
Jesus also gave us his special community of faith – the church – to enable us to build meaningful and satisfying relationships. In the church we find friends, are encouraged in our faith, and join with others in mission, ministry, and worship. There is no better antidote for loneliness than involvement in the life of the local church. God has designated it for our good, and we should take advantage of this gift.
The promise of Isaiah to us is that we do not need to be afraid. The God of all creation is our God. He will be with us. He will strengthen us. Let us trust him and not be dismayed.