Loneliness

Few emotions are more painful than the emotion of loneliness. Deep loneliness is often experienced by those who think of themselves as being alone. No one calls, the voice mail is empty most days. All the friends and family haven't thought of you because they seem to have their own problems. Being alone feels like a cold January wind that cuts through the layers of our warmth and security. Think of the single person enduring the pain of a broken romance. Think of the divorced person who doesn't know what to do with his or her time. Think of the inmate behind the bars of solitary confinement. Think of the military person overseas. Think of the widow whose table is still set for two. Think of the parents whose arms ache for a missing child. Think of the person who may be around acquaintances everyday but still has no vital connection.
We've all been there, a part of the crowd but not of the community. There's never a time in life when we can completely escape from loneliness. It will sneak upon all of us, even in the midst of a crowd and can last for a few moments or for a lifetime.
These thoughts should prepare you for the passage I want you to look at this week. A cold January wind seems to cut through 2 Timothy 4 as you look at several factors that contributed to Paul's loneliness. Deserted by friends, opposed by an enemy, and unsupported in his court appearance by Christians who were perhaps where afraid of imprisonment themselves.
There is no such thing as a person who never feels lonely and who has no need of human friends. Human friendship is God's loving provision for mankind. Nothing can warm the heart like companionship. When our spirit is lonely, we need friends. It's winter for some people in your family or under your own roof; a son or daughter who is secretly aching to talk about things that are deep in their soul. Warm their heart by being their friend. Maybe it's an elderly parent or grandparent who feels discarded, or the guy at work who's always the odd man out, or the child shunned by fellow students. Or the former friend whose call you don't return anymore. The winter arrives at different times for all of us. In the winter season of life, pull your friends around you. Don't control them or impose upon them; but get with them and be warmed by their companionship.
You can do all of these things at your local church. And if you don't have a local church, find one. This comes from someone who grew up in an orphanage until he was 17 years old. I know loneliness, and God saved me through the church. The body of Christ that He so welcomes you into. And Saints, think of anyone that may be lonely, lock your door behind you, go across the street, find that someone who is hurting, and help them.