The Fight Against Loneliness

Loneliness comes when we’re left feeling unseen, unheard, unknown—even when people surround us. 

Loneliness is “a sense of sadness or internal emptiness due to a lack of meaningful relationships and connection with others.” 

Is it possible to be surrounded by people and still be lonely? 

Proverbs 18:24 (NASB) A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

In America, one out of every three people admits that they feel lonely “frequently,” “almost all the time,” or “all the time.”

And two out of every three young adults between the ages of 18-25 say they deal with profound loneliness “almost all the time.” 

Loneliness increases the risk of…

• Dementia by 50%

• Heart disease by 29%

• Stroke by 32%

• Premature death by 26% 

• Anxiety and depression

• Deep sense of aimlessness

Genesis 2:18 (NASB) Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone…” 

Psalm 25:16 (ESV) Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

Psalm 142:4 (ESV) Look to the right and see:  there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul.

2 Timothy 4:16 (NIV) At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me.  

Common Causes of Loneliness:

1.  Too Busy

The truth is, we can be efficient and effective, but if we’re too busy for relationships, we’re living out of rhythm with how God designed us. 

2.  Too Independent

When independence is taken too far, it becomes an obstacle because it feeds into this false delusion of self-sufficiency that says, “I don’t need anyone else.” 

3.  The Disconnection of the Family

A recent study found that 66% of people attribute their state of loneliness to a lack of family connection. 

4.  Social Media (technology)

“I have 2,775 friends. Facebook says so.”  —Anonymous     

In all of our adding or subtracting “friends” at the click of a button, have we settled for less than what a real friendship can give us? 

73% of us say that social media is a contributor to our feelings of loneliness. 

5.  Too Prideful 

Research shows that one of the main contributors to chronic loneliness is our tendency to keep our pain to ourselves. 

6.  A Lack of Spiritual Life  

“Our heart is restless until it rests in You.”  —Saint Augustine

Does God have a purpose for loneliness?  

God doesn’t allow us to feel this loneliness to condemn us—it’s there to guide us.