Biblical Strategies to Let Go of Loneliness
By Dwight Bain
The Bible has a great deal to say about the subject of loneliness, which is one of the most common, and painful emotions that 1 in every 4 Americans experience. Here are a number of strategies to help you, or someone you care about. No matter how lonely you feel, never forget God loves you and when you reach out to Him you will never be alone.
1. Reach out to others
For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Romans 14:7
2. Let go of disappointment
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15
3. Find other lonely people to connect with, since lonely people are everywhere
I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 1:3-4
4. Take strategic action to reach out to others
(texts, instant messages, letters, calls, visits, meals, committees, etc)
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14
5. Look for ways to show God’s love to others
(shop for groceries, prepare a meal, carpool, send an encouraging card or note to someone, help someone complete a task, give someone a small gift like flowers, cookies, bookmark, or even sharing a magazine article then meeting to talk about it)
6. Show random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. -John 15:13
7. Don’t demand that others change to meet your needs, you change first
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. - Psalm 62:5
8. Find a Bible study or church group and get involved
Don’t give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25
9. Study the life of people who aren’t lonely and follow their example
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
10. Connect to Christian media, especially Christian Radio
My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. - Psalm 57:7
11. Break old patterns so that others can know you by getting involved
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Psalm 33:3
12. Read your Bible and memorize verses to feel connected to God
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107:19-20
13. Track your journey in a journal
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:18-19
14. Trust God to lead you
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
About the author:
Dwight Bain is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Author and Life Coach specializing in bringing positive change to highly complex situations. He is a life-long resident of Orlando, Florida ere he lives with his wife Sheila and their two children. Find more of his practical resources on managing emotions and building relationships visit www.LifeworksGroup.org Or call 407.647.7005 for more information on how the LifeWorks Group can help you build a better quality of life.
The Bible has a great deal to say about the subject of loneliness, which is one of the most common, and painful emotions that 1 in every 4 Americans experience. Here are a number of strategies to help you, or someone you care about. No matter how lonely you feel, never forget God loves you and when you reach out to Him you will never be alone.
1. Reach out to others
For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. Romans 14:7
2. Let go of disappointment
See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15
3. Find other lonely people to connect with, since lonely people are everywhere
I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 1:3-4
4. Take strategic action to reach out to others
(texts, instant messages, letters, calls, visits, meals, committees, etc)
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12-14
5. Look for ways to show God’s love to others
(shop for groceries, prepare a meal, carpool, send an encouraging card or note to someone, help someone complete a task, give someone a small gift like flowers, cookies, bookmark, or even sharing a magazine article then meeting to talk about it)
6. Show random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. -John 15:13
7. Don’t demand that others change to meet your needs, you change first
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. - Psalm 62:5
8. Find a Bible study or church group and get involved
Don’t give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25
9. Study the life of people who aren’t lonely and follow their example
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7
10. Connect to Christian media, especially Christian Radio
My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. - Psalm 57:7
11. Break old patterns so that others can know you by getting involved
Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Psalm 33:3
12. Read your Bible and memorize verses to feel connected to God
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107:19-20
13. Track your journey in a journal
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:18-19
14. Trust God to lead you
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8
About the author:
Dwight Bain is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Author and Life Coach specializing in bringing positive change to highly complex situations. He is a life-long resident of Orlando, Florida ere he lives with his wife Sheila and their two children. Find more of his practical resources on managing emotions and building relationships visit www.LifeworksGroup.org Or call 407.647.7005 for more information on how the LifeWorks Group can help you build a better quality of life.
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