Psalm 102:4-7, NLT
My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.
Psalm 142:4, NKJV
Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul.
Genesis 2:18, NIV
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
1. The Reality of Loneliness
1 Kings 19:14, NKJV
And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.”
Psalm 25:16, NIV
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
2 Timothy 4:16, NIV
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
2. The Reasons For Loneliness
• Abandonment
Psalm 27:9-10, NIV
Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.
• Ambition
Ecclesiastes 4:8, NLT
This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
• Alienation
• Affliction
Psalm 38:11, NIV
My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds, my neighbors stay far away.
• Apprehension
Micah 7:5, NKJV
Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion…
3. The Results of Loneliness
• Darkness
• Disease
• Defeat
• Decision
4. The Remedy for Loneliness
• Move Toward Christ
Psalm 139:7-10, NIV
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Proverbs 18:24, NKJV
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
• Move Toward Community
Psalm 68:5-6, NIV
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…
Acts 2:46-47, NIV
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
Cooper City Groups:
o A Place of Grace
Proverbs 17:17, NKJV
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
o A Place of Healing
James 5:16, NIV
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
o A Place of Mission
Acts 2:46-47, NIV
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
• Move Toward Calling
*Ephesians 2:10, NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
*