Many struggle with loneliness at this time of the year
The Christmas season can be a difficult and lonely time for many. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season seemingly taking over, it can be hard to find peace and contentment while you’re surrounded by busy towns, loud noises, and long shopping lines.
The Bible offers us help and hope to combat loneliness
Thankfully, the Bible offers us advice on how to face these feelings of loneliness during this time of year. One way to overcome loneliness is to practice gratitude.
Counsel from Philippians 4:6-7
In Philippians 4:6-7 we read, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Taking a few moments each day to recognize all that we have (even if we don’t feel like it) helps bring comfort during times when our spirit may feel weighed down by loneliness.
Comfort from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 we read, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
From this passage, there are two great truths we must seek to understand. First, Our God is “the Father who is characterized by mercy” and “the God whose heart delights in giving comfort.” His compassion knows no bounds. His mercy and comfort are limitless. I know that is hard to comprehend during challenging times of our lives, but this truth must be an anchor for us to stand firm in the midst of the most violent storms.
Second, “in accordance with his limitless compassion (see also Ps. 145:9; Mic. 7:19), God provides his people with never-failing comfort of every variety (see also Isa. 40:1; 51:3, 12; 66:13).”
Constructive help from James 4:8
Another key lesson offered by Scripture is found in James 4:8 which tells us “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” During periods of loneliness or sadness, remember that God is always ready waiting for us – no matter how distant or forgotten we may feel at times. Spending quality time with Him through prayer or reflection can provide a much needed source of comfort when loneliness creeps into our lives during Christmas time.
Other Biblical Encouragements
Psalm 73:25-26
“25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Lamentations 3:22-24
“22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.””
Romans 8:35-39
“35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Keep this in mind…
Lastly, we should never forget that even if relationships with others are strained or broken, we are never truly alone as long as we remain rooted in our faith and trust in the one who gave His life for us: Jesus Christ! The love that was expressed through His birth serves as an eternal reminder that no matter where we go or what season it may be, the Lord will never leave our side (Matthew 28:20).
Overcoming loneliness during the holidays is never easy, but as you keep your mind set on these truths, I pray that it will help and encourage you.
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