By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“Look for yourself and you will find loneliness and despair. But look for Christ and you will find Him and everything else.” – C.S. Lewis

I’ve never been the most outgoing person. Most days, I would rather sit by myself and read a book than be around a lot of people. When I was in college, I typically sat by myself in class and rarely talked to anyone.

All of this culminated one day whenever my professor entered class. He came in, sat down his briefcase, and was about to teach when he stopped and looked at me.

“Are you lonely?” he asked me simply. The whole class heard and suddenly all eyes were on me. I looked at him dumbfounded.

He continued, “It’s just that you always come in here and sit by yourself and don’t really talk to anyone. I’m just worried you might be lonely.”

I stuttered, “I-I mean, I have friends and a fiancé. I just typically like to be by myself. But, I’m not lonely.”

He seemed satisfied and without missing a beat, went on to teach.

Why is loneliness such a serious issue? Why would anyone care if I was lonely?

The fact of the matter is that socializing is a vital part of human development. Children who have been neglected and experienced severe isolation have experienced huge developmental issues and, in some cases, PTSD-like symptoms. There have also been studies on the effect of solitary confinement on prisoners. Prisoners left alone for days on end experienced hallucinations, panic attacks, overt paranoia, as well as difficulties with thinking, concentration, and memory.

We as humans were not meant to be isolated. We were not made to be lonely creatures. Instead, our God created us to be in relation with one another and relation with Him.

But the unfortunate fact of the matter is that we have many, many lonely Christians. Maybe, even you are experiencing feelings of being alone. Maybe you feel like you are the only one who is facing your situation, that everyone else has left you. Maybe you feel like you are trying to brave the stormy seas of life in a paper raft with you as the solitary captain.

But even though we may feel lonely, we are never alone:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

These words that were echoed by Isaiah had been the battle cry of the People of God. We do not have to fear for our God is with us!

The same is true for us today. No matter your circumstances or what storm of life you may be facing. You are never alone, for your God is with you. Allow Him to strengthen you and help you. Be lifted up by His right hand.