There’s a loneliness epidemic and Britain is the capital of Europe. From dedicated phone-lines being the only voice many pensioners hear to young people hashtagging their loneliness as they read about their also-lonely friends talking about having a great time on Facebook.
Loneliness exposes the hole in the dream. All the ingredients of a perfect life can be there but loneliness still persists.
The article prescribes community as the answer while describing examples of loneliness in a group or even a marriage. Yes, community is needed but looking to other people as the ultimate cure for loneliness puts a pressure on those relationships that can end up crushing them.
We fear being alone, but we don’t need to. God repeatedly says he will never leave us or forsake us.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
(Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)
(Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
(Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
(Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV)
He will never leave us even though we have forsaken him, because Jesus was forsaken in our place.
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
(Matthew 27:46 ESV)
(Matthew 27:46 ESV)
You are never left alone, and experiencing that truth frees us to participate in the community we were designed for, looking to serve others with love, not demanding love from them.
picture by JB London
picture by JB London