Christian Family Services Ministry

12-8-2019 – A Word to the Wise – Loneliness

Loneliness, what is it? Why is it? Friend or foe?
Some live constantly in the grips of the terror produced by loneliness. Others embrace this odd experience as one would a close companion.
How is it that this experience is a terrible burden which mangles the emotions and hurl’s desperate storms of anguish. What assuages these feelings?
Before we answer this question let me assure you that some wrap themselves in this comfortable blanked to escape life’s trauma. For these few the comfort provided allows a depth of existence which is difficult to grasp. If experienced properly loneliness is a passing experience utilized by the individual to restore peace and fulfillment and direction.
The best example is seen in the life of Jesus when He would withdrawal to spend time with His Father. (Luke 6:12). By the same token we see the Master in Gethsemane, three years later in agony unable to get his disciples to join Him in prayer. (Luke 22:39ff).
So with Jesus we see both extremes. The lesson for us may be that loneliness is a gift at times and at others the depth of abandonment.
All of the great men of faith discovered both extremes and so must we.
Why one may ask? Because loneliness drives us into the arms of the Master. None may assuage the emotions like the Master. The great failure on our part is to refuse to cast ourselves at His feet and be comforted by Him. Instead we flee to endless television programs, mindless games, or other pursuits that only worsen the depths of our agony.
Jesus knows our struggles He has been there, done that He is the solution. Try it.