Loneliness
“It is not good for the man to be alone.” These words, spoken by God about Adam, are the first “not good” in the Bible. They come after a series of “goods” and one “very good.”
Think about it. God created a garden paradise filled with wonders untold. And God created Adam or Man from the dust of that garden, breathing into him the breath of life, God’s life. And yet, living in paradise alone was “not good.”
Sounds like a lot of people in our world today. Not that many of us are living in paradise! But paradise or not, we live in a world where multitudes are living on islands of seclusion, cut-off, disconnected, and alienated from others.
I came across a study a few years ago that estimated somewhere between seventy and ninety percent of Americans suffer from chronic loneliness. I suspect that is true not only of those of us living in the U.S. but of the overwhelming majority of people everywhere.
Other studies have shown that loneliness contributes to increased risk of cancer, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Loneliness is also a leading cause of depression, suicide, and alcoholism.
And being surrounded by people is not a cure for loneliness. In fact, it is often a major contributor. Surrounded by others, but ignored, alone, without any real relationships.
I wonder if I’m describing you. Alone, with no real relationships.
If so, I want to encourage you to do two things. First, ask God to lead you into healthy relationships with others who can encourage and support you. Second, seek out relationships with others who God brings across your path. And God will bring them.
Be looking and be ready.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
In Christ,
Dan
Learn more about Church on the Edge here.