Introduction.





   I.  One of the most universal problems of all men, even Christians, is loneliness.



  II.  All of us probably have feelings of loneliness from time to time.



       A.  Sometimes loved ones or friends desert us. (Job 19:14, 19).



       B.  Sometimes our feelings are wrong.



           l.  We imagine others are ignoring us when personal problems beset us.

 

           2.  These feelings are usually exaggerated by our personal problems.



       C.  The psalmist felt lonely,   "I lie awake, I have become like a lonely bird on a housetop." (Psa. 102:7).



       D.  Jesus felt lonely on the cross.



           1.  Most of His disciples had deserted Him. (Matt. 27:56; Jno. 19:25-27).



           2.  God left Him alone to suffer for mankind. (Matt. 27:46).



  I. Loneliness Defined



     A.  Loneliness is a little hard to define.



         1.  Webster defines it "Without company..depressed at being alone..alone."



         2.  Webster dictionary is correct, but it in no way defines the wretched, miserable feeling of loneliness.



     B.  Loneliness is not always being alone.



         l.  Some people are alone in a room full of people.



         2.  Some people spend a lot of time by themselves, but feel good about themselves and others.



         3.  Spending time alone is good for most people.



     C.  Loneliness is when we begin to feel depressed, unloved, perhaps ill feelings toward ourselves or others because we are           

         alone.



     D.  Loneliness can, if unchecked, cause physical and emotional illnesses in our lives.  It may even lead to death.



  II. Causes of Loneliness



      A.  Death or divorce or abandonment frequently causes loneliness.



      B.  Mate mentally or physically sick can create loneliness on the part of both marriage partners.



      C.  Depression over life's problems may bring on feelings of being all alone and feeling no one cares.



          l.  Health, wealth



          2. Relationships, etc.



      D.  Failure to be friendly or lack of social skill my bring on loneliness.



      E.  Excluded by those we care about.



          l. This exclusion may be:



             a.  unintentional



             b.  because of indifference



             c.  because of  hostility



             d.  because one differs in some way - looks, intelligence, talents, etc.



      F.  Keeping circle too small



          l.  Children



          2.  Few friends



          3.  Mate only



      G.  Being selfish (Phil. 2:4).



          l.  Limiting interest mostly to self.



          2.  It is a mistake and even sin to be absorbed in self.



  II. Overcoming Loneliness



      A. Godhead dwells in us.



         l.  God (l Jno. 4:l2; Heb. l3:5,6; Deut.3l:6; 33:25;  Josh. l:5; Psa. 46:l; Isa. 41:10; Psa. 23).



         2.  Christ



             a.  Gal. 2:20; Col. 1:27



             b.  Matt. 28:20.  Lit. "all the days".



                 1) John 14:23



                 2)  Phil. 4:l3



                 3)  l Jno. 2:1-2



         3.  Holy Spirit (l Cor. 6:l9,20).



             a.  Knowledge of His presence should comfort us.  (Gal. 4:6; Eph. l:l3,14).



             b.  Holy Spirit comforts us through the scriptures.  (2 Pet. l:21; 2 Tim. 3:l6,17; Psa.119:l05).



      B. Be friendly (Prov. 18:24; 17:17).



      C.  Keep busy



          1.  Activity helps take our minds off of self.



          2.  Keeping busy can be of great benefit to others and self.



      D.  Adjust to life's changes. (Phil. 4:11).



      E.  Take advantage of Christian fellowship. (Acts 2:42, 46).



      F.  Prayer is vital.



          1.  The psalmist cried out, "Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am lonely and afflicted. (Psa. 25:16).



          2.  We should humbly request the presence of God, and draw near to God. (Jas. 4:7).



 III.  Helping Others Overcome Loneliness



      A.  Be friendly



      B.  Spend time with lonely



      C.  Remember others with cards, letters, flowers, etc.



      D.  Make others feel important and wanted. 



  Conclusion.



   I. Let us stay busy serving God and others.



  II. This will help fight loneliness and enrich our lives.