A Table for One

  Our world is filled with lonely people.  We work with people who are lonely.   We attend church with people who are lonely.   I’m almost positive each day we pass people on the street who are lonely.  A strange aspect of loneliness is it doesn’t have much to do with your proximity to other people.   You can be lonely in a crowd of people.   On the other hand, you can be alone and not feel lonely at all.   Social media is stimulating loneliness and discouraging intimate relationships.   
     We have the innate desire to experience human relationships.   There are several scriptures that reassure us “God will never leave us or forsake us”.   The word “never” stood out to me.   We are taught never to say never; however, we can fully trust it when God says never.  God is not man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19).  Since God does not lie and He will never leave us, how come so many people struggle with loneliness?   The answer is simple.  We were created for connection.   
     Let’s take a look at loneliness.   Loneliness is defined as an unpleasant emotional response to perceived isolation.   Isolation causes people to feel alone, empty and unwanted.  Loneliness is unique to each individual.   Losing a loved one can lead to feelings of loneliness.   A college freshman can feel alone after being away from home for the first time.   A break up or divorce can lead to feelings of loneliness.  Feelings of loneliness cause people to withdraw.       
     God is relational.   God is unequivocally described as love.  Because God is love, He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27).   He created us to experience authentic relationships.  We see God’s authentic relationship between the triune, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  God does not want us to be lonely.   If you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, volunteer at your local church, shelter, school, or community center.  Giving of self can help to reduce feelings of loneliness.  We cannot express the love of God without one another.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others (Philippians 2:4).  
     Loneliness will cause a person to wallow in self pity, and make a reservation at a table for one.   Jesus understands loneliness.  He is waiting to be invited into your heart.  He felt everything we feel.   Allow God’s word to fill your heart and mind.  If you experience feelings of loneliness, don’t deny it.  Admit that you suffer from seasons of loneliness and ask God to help you deal with it.  If you are sitting at a table for one, decorate it with flowers and don’t forget to invite your heavenly Father.