The Despair of Loneliness

Scripture References: 1 Kings 19:14; Luke 22:28

Henry Ford II ruled an automobile company, spent princely sums on whatever he fancied, and had the attention of everyone he met. Yet this often lonely man would regularly turn to his younger daughter, even awakening her from sleep to talk. Sometimes he was sad; sometimes he was happy. But, she noticed, he always seemed lonely, with no one to share his deepest thoughts. Numerous studies prove the disadvantages of living alone or being lonely: sickness comes more often and stays longer, and suicides and automobile accidents are more prevalent.

Yet, as one young adult explained, “It isn’t easy to find meaningful fellowship.” In melancholy eloquence he stated the problem about the single’s bar scene. “Your work keeps you busy,” he said, “but it also keeps you from seeing anyone. You go to a bar for fellowship, but find the lights so dim you can’t see anyone. You drink with companions only to find that what you drink keeps you from understanding each other. And the noise in the bars keeps you from hearing each other.” Their cure for loneliness only adds to their feeling of isolation.

God made us communal creatures to live within a fellowship of others like ourselves. From the Trinity’s eternal, joyous fellowship we derive all our yearnings for fellowship. Only by associating with God, and those called to him through Christ, do we find an end to the loneliness that otherwise haunts and harms us.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved.