When does a Christian feel lonely?
The Christian is always in spiritual warfare. Loneliness is a spiritual attack against man. When a person is attacked by loneliness, they withdraw deeper into their self-created space. The feeling of isolation and hopelessness begin to take control.
When does a Christian experience the sting of loneliness? I’d like to share three instances when loneliness takes over a believer.
Stepped out of the presence of God
Adam was created first; and in that time, he regularly met with God in the evenings. He was instructed in the ways of the world he was placed inside Eden, a garden with boundaries. God guided Adams daily lifestyle. He laboured in the day, and received life counsel in the evenings. Being with God is being in the state of perfect peace and rest. Adam experienced that while in the garden of Eden.
The Psalmist teaches us the true delight of a Christian.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalms 1:2)
Like Adam, we are in a spiritual garden with God. When we enter the salvation experience; we are a new creation, walking the new way of life. A new creation no longer walks in the old worldly ways. His delight is now in the words of God and desire nothing of this world. He finds his rest in the presence of His first love. He loves God with all his heart, mind and strength. The new lifestyle involves a personal relationship with God, in prayer, praise and bible meditation.
Stepped out of the fellowship of saints
When God created man, He gave him a woman to give company, be of help. God created woman because man needed the help. The woman wasn’t an afterthought; she was necessary and created to be one with man. Adam and Eve embodies true fellowship between ministers and the congregation - serving each other for the glory of God.
Similarly, the members of the church need to be one with each other and with the ministers in charge. This fellowship is God’s provision. Diverse people brought together to worship in unity. To become one in spirit and in truth. Be they black, brown or white, different languages, rich or poor, literate or illiterate, joined by God to fulfil His will.
In Acts 2:42 onwards, we learn how the apostles and believers spent quality time in prayer everyday. God acknowledged with signs and wonders.
Stepped out of Calling
Adam was already assigned work by God. Eve was created later to jointly help. We all have specific work as believers. No one is called to do a greater work than another. Each one has to do Gods will according to the grace given. Sticking to what is expected from us pleases God. When we start to draw comparisons, we get frustrated and sin.
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:1-7)
Jonah was thrown off deck. Samson was captured. Saul lost his kingship. When we step out of God’s calling and do not return we place ourselves in great dangers.
Elijah went into isolation, and got depressed, lonely, and suicidal because fear filled his heart. Jeremiah says, the heart is desperately wicked, who can know it?
When we step away from the presence of God, our heart latches onto whatever brings relief, even though it is temporary. When we latch onto anything that goes against the will of God we set our course into a deeper darkness. Loneliness is one such darkness. Jesus is the only light that can shine into the worst of darkness. The light of God dispels all darkness and sets us on the road to eternal life with Jesus.