We all go through phases in our lives where we experience some form of loneliness. It is a feeling that can creep up on anyone, regardless of who you are or what you have accomplished.
Yes, rich people can feel lonely. Extroverts can feel lonely. Celebrities and influencers with thousands of followers and likes on social media can feel lonely. A married man or woman can feel lonely. You can be surrounded by a crowd yet still lonely.
There is nothing wrong with you.
Loneliness is an emotional response to a perceived lack of intimacy or connection, and this feeling can be triggered by many things. It could be triggered by rejection, isolation, discouragement, lack of support, lack of real connection/sense of belonging and acceptance. It could also be triggered by a lack of self-love, low confidence, guilt or shame.
Regardless of what the trigger is or how often you feel lonely, recognizing that this isn't a healthy feeling is a good start. Also, recognizing that suppressing the feeling is not the answer is a good start to combat loneliness.
Here, I will be sharing some practical tips to overcome loneliness. I hope you find some of these practical tips helpful.
PRACTICAL TIPS TO OVERCOME LONELINESS:
1. Connect with God: There is a void in everyone that only God can fill. If you find that even in the presence of family or friends, you are still lonely, that is a sign that you are lacking intimacy with God. I urge you to spend time getting to know God through reading the Bible. Fall in love with His word and His presence. When we study the word, we get enlightened about so many things we face and feel. By studying the word, we can learn to overcome triggers of loneliness.
2. Connect with Family/families: Isolation is one major cause of loneliness. Be committed to meeting people, making friends and spending time with family/loved ones. From the creation story, we see that we are created for relationships & fellowship (Genesis 2:18). We thrive mentally, emotionally and physically when there is a sense of connection and belonging. This is something the devil knows, and that is why he attacks families, friendships and other social networks until we are left alone and lonely. Many people have been deprived of forming meaningful relationships because of social anxiety, fear of getting hurt, a busy schedule, etc. This is something that should be dealt with as it is a hindrance to combating loneliness.
3. Join a community: In Hebrews 10: 25, we are told not to forsake the gathering of believers. Do you have a church family that you belong to? Forming roots in a Bible-believing Church is a good way to build deep connections. If you already attend a church but are not rooted, try to join a small connect group, a house fellowship or service department. Also, what are your interests? You could join an online community or a group within your neighbourhood that shares similar interests or passions. E.g., if you like reading, you could join a book club. If you like cooking or baking you could join a cooking or baking club as well. etc.
4. Volunteer: Do you have lots of free time in your hands? consider volunteering for an organization or group. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, an animal shelter, kids summer camp or events etc. Be a part of something great or meaningful. Look for ways to make a difference. Be generous in doing good.
Serving and helping others is a great way to combat loneliness. By opening your hearts capacity to love, you also then have room to receive love.
"FOR IT IS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE..." Genesis 2:18
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