The Ultimate Cure for Loneliness

If there's one thing each of us have in common, it's that we will encounter loneliness in our lives.

For some, it can be a temporary bout.  For others, loneliness may stretch weeks or months. For others, it can be years...or longer.

A few weeks ago, I encountered my own bout of loneliness. Compared with what others go through on a daily basis, it was nothing.  But for me, the acuteness of the loneliness was intolerable.

For me, the solution involved getting on my knees and saying to God, "I don't want this feeling anymore. I don't like it. So, I'm giving it to you, ok? This is *your* problem, your burden now.  And I wouldn't advise letting it hang around very long."  Interestingly, the actual cause of the feelings of loneliness hasn't dissipated.  Instead, God has enhanced my ability to cope with it.

Such is how God treats His children. Sometimes, God calms the storm.  Other times, He lets the storm rage, and calms His child.

That's definitely the case with one of my friends, who has been alone - separated from their spouse, who died - for decades.  This friend enjoys a very remarkable, highly intimate relationship with the Savior.  Here's how they cope with loneliness:

"I have been on my own for many years. There are times I feel lonely but most of the time I don't. Being by myself gives me the time to get close to and stay close to my Heavenly Father. Spirituality is so very important to me. I constantly have a 'conversation' going with Father. The blessings are enormous when a person spends most of their time with God. The veil thins, which gives way to experiencing those on the other side of the veil that accompany us and assist us with everything. When I live so that the spirit can attend me regularly, the feelings of joy, peace, love, security, protection, etc. is what I feel wrapped in. The times I feel lonely, I usually have lost my focus on the Lord. The feelings that come with that are so different and uncomfortable I 'run back' to Father!! My experience in my life has taught me that the Lord totally covers all the areas in my life and fills in the blank or empty spots.  In my life, the Lord has 'filled in the blanks' with His matchless love, tender mercies, long suffering, patience, strength and power. I know I can trust Him with every single thing, whatever it is. There is nothing I can't talk to Him about, even my sins, and have His love and help. He is less than a thought away!"

The next time you feel tempted to feel lonely, highly consider asking God to either calm the storm, or calm you.  Either way, place the burdens on Him who is only a thought away and "mighty to save".

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)