Life as a Christian Woman

All of us have had the empty feeling of loneliness. Even in a crowd, you can feel lonely. And loneliness can bring on sadness and depression, a feeling of hopelessness.

But we aren’t hopeless, and God shows us what to do in those times of isolation. The truth is, as easily as we become isolated and alone, we can reach out to others and begin to come out again.

Let’s look at loneliness through the perspective of the Bible.

First, when you begin feeling alone, separate and apart, reach out to other Christians. Jesus used the parable of the mustard seed to show that Christianity would grow from a small, insignificant number to a worldwide kingdom.

Jesus asked, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed. Though this is one of the smallest of seeds, it grows to become one of the largest of plants, with long branches where birds can come and find shelter.”

Mark 4:30-32

Reach out to His kingdom on earth, your brothers and sisters in Christ, and let them come to you and lift you up in prayer.

Second, if we aren’t careful, loneliness can morph into self-pity. Self-pity works against any good you may be doing. While we all have those times of “why,” in its extreme self-pity is self-indulgent and nothing good can come of it. Instead of “poor me,” pray for an attitude adjustment.

Third, remember that God is with us, so we can never really be alone. Feeling lonely? Talk to God. Speak out loud, just as if He is in the room with you… because He is! We are filled with God’s Holy Spirit and love. Who can truly be lonely under those circumstances!

Finally, one of the best things you can do when you are lonely is serve others who are lonely, forgotten. Visit an elderly church member, have a prayer time with a shut-in, volunteer to visit members of your church or parish who are hospitalized. Seeing the joy that your visit brings is enough to lighten your soul.

We are an egotistical, self-satisfied society. Most people would rather cut off their arms than reach out to others. But as Christians, we are called to reach out to others… to both serve and be served in return.

So let those around you know that you need them. It is a sign of strength and resilience to be able to let others in when you need them, not a sign of weakness.

And never forget the Great Commission:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

(Matthew 28:18-20)