Loneliness
Loneliness is defined in the dictionary as sadness resulting from isolation or lack of companionship. Yet, isn’t it interesting that many women feel lonely even when they are not alone? That's because isolation often times come from something other than the presence of people. For example, if a women is struggling with a trial and those around her are not, she may still feel very alone even when surrounded by friends.
Loneliness is often a state of the heart. Yes, there is loneliness due to lack of family and friends which results in sadness. However, more often than not, loneliness occurs when a woman feels there is no one in her life who is truly like minded on the issues that are important to her. These are the deeper issues of the heart for a lonely person.
Because true heart connections can remain so elusive even when surrounded by community, lonely women often seek to fill this void with vain comforts. Sadly, these vain comforts -- or "impulse companions" -- often leave the heart feeling twice as empty and twice as isolated.
"Impulse companionship" can be anything from watching romantic movies and eating chocolates or ice cream to more harmful behaviors such as drug and alcohol use or unhealthy physical encounters. This is the nature of the human spirit: When there is a demand (the gap of loneliness), we seek to supply it -- often with impulsive self-gratification.
The human heart, as Scripture tells us, is a tricky instrument and is not to be trusted. In the Christian community, women must take heed because in a very similar way we are often compelled to fill this loneliness with pious and proper behavior. Yet, binges of spiritual events and filling our plates with religious retreats and services will not reach the recesses of loneliness. Pursuit of these things will often propel us even further into discouragement and isolation.
There is only one way to see this foe, and that is to see it as a blessing in disguise. It is certainly a wake-up call if it has brought us to our knees. Christ is the only fountain that can fill our lonely and thirsty souls. Prayer is the means of this divine filling. Prayer is communion with God through prayer, meditation of the Word. It is a watering of the Spirit to the soul.
Recognizing our efforts to fill the void of loneliness with broken or empty cisterns is the beginning of the healing process. When we realize the futility of our efforts, we are drawn to the living well of water. It is here at the well the lonely heart will thrive, finding its true companionship.
If you are currently struggling in this area, we highly recommend the life-changing Bible Study "Redemptive Waters." For further insight and spiritual support, take some time to explore our suggested books specific to this struggle. Check out other valuable resources as well as the testimonies
of those who have gone through this and have come to the other side.
Also, remember you are not alone. Even now many are experiencing your
heartache and also seeking help. Contact us and share your heart and your pain (anonymously if you wish). Don't hesitate to ask for prayer.
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