The Cure For Loneliness

My dog helps too

When I was in my early twenties I went through a period of living alone, and I hated it. I was surprised and confused. I’d wanted to be a writer ever since my early teens - as someone with writing sensibilities, shouldn’t I enjoy my own company? I never did, and I could never really figure out why.

Then when I became a mother, I longed for a weekend to myself. When the time came I could never really fully enjoy it because of the loneliness. Sometimes I would cope with time alone by filling my social calendar, but I would crave rest. Then when I got the rest it was filled with this lonely feeling.

Loneliness is hard to describe, it’s not like feeling sad, it’s like a weird disconnection, like being unable to think clearly. It helped to learn about brain science as a parent educator, and how we are wired for connection - we really can’t think in isolation.

But there’s more to it than that. And that is the God-shaped hole. When I finally had an encounter with God (read my full story here), I realised that of course we struggle with loneliness and can’t get the balance right because without God we will always be lonely.

The first weekend I spent alone when I became a believer, I remember watching a YouTube video on Jesus and loneliness. They mentioned this Bible verse from Revelation 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

I prayed to Jesus as I ate my dinner, and then the loneliness was gone.

As time goes on I love being on my own more and more. Maybe it helps having a dog. Life can get so hectic, but some of the best days are peaceful ones, just being at home writing after a walk through the village saying hello to the other dog owners and their furry friends. It’s an antidote to all the craziness in the wider world.

This weekend I am alone again. After some very busy weeks I made the decision that I needed to stay home and rest. Do I have moments where I feel lonely? Yes. But it’s not the crazy disconnected feeling I used to get. It’s just a brief moment like a passing cloud, and then I remind myself that I can talk to Jesus, any time, any place, and he will be with me.

If you find yourself like a pendulum swinging from busyness to loneliness, and have never talked to Jesus, then maybe it’s time to invite him to sit down at the table with you.

See links to find out more.

A Case For Christ Documentary

The Bridge - New Age To Jesus Facebook Group

321 Course - Discover Life According To Jesus

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