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LIFTED ABOVE LONELINESS

The remote place in the world is the heart of a lonely person. There is a difference between being lonely and loneliness. It is possible to be both, either or neither. There are people who eat dinner alone every single night. They have no one to share life with and they are like a sparrow sitting on top of a house. However, it is possible to be surrounded by people and yet feel loneliness. The answer to loneliness is not found in alcohol.

1. Define the problem of loneliness

There are times that you need to be alone. We need times alone with God. Loneliness is different. You could be living by yourself in a house and nobody calls. You can feel that nobody cares. You want people to notice you. Some people hate solitude and like to keep themselves busy.

2. Determine the presence of loneliness

Why do you feel loneliness? Is there a reason why you are alone? There are two basic types:-

Situational - You are there because of a situation in your life. It could be a sudden death or you are in hospital
Chronic - These are people who are lonely all the time. You can be so self-centred that no one wants to be with you. You can feel so lonely that you contemplate suicide.

3. Defeat the power of loneliness

You don't have to go to extremes to defeat the power of loneliness. You don't have to dial the wrong number. You don't have to find some odd answer. You don't have to go to extremes. There is no emotional problem that you can't get help with from the Word of God.

Reach up to the Saviour - No one knows about loneliness like Jesus. No one was abandoned like Jesus. See John 1:11. His family, friends and followers abandoned Him. Jesus was abandoned by God the Father. He was all alone. See John 16:31-32. The Father is with me. We need to hear these words. We are not alone if we trust in God as our Saviour. God knows your needs.
Reach out to others - You think you are the only person to face loneliness. You need to reach out to other people. You need to stop insulating yourself.
Resist Satan - See James 4:7. Satan can run away if we resist him. Don't let the Devil tap step on your heart. Resist him and he will flee.
Rise above selfishness - You need to think beyond "me, me and me!". It is not what the church can do for me. It is what can I do for the church and others. Selfishness will hold you down.
Read God's Word - See Psalms 119:103. God's Word tastes good! It will put a smile on your face! You will find promises that you can hold onto and get your mind off yourself.
Rely on the power of God. See Isaiah 41:10. God has us in his hand. He will strengthen and help us. We are not alone. We have God on our side. With the power of God we have power over loneliness.