What’s a good way to deal with loneliness? 1) Learn to be alone without feeling lonely. Jesus often left the crowd to be alone with His Father in prayer, because He knew that we need solitude and times of quiet reflection for our spiritual growth. And He came back from those times personally enriched and better equipped to deal with the challenges of life. The Bible says, ‘Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day’ (Genesis 32:24 NKJV). Out of that time alone with God came a man with a new name, a new nature, a new walk, and a new future. Plus, when people realise that we can enjoy our favourite meal, or film, or other activity alone, they’re often impressed by your strength, independence, and confidence. 2) Don’t get trapped into thinking you can’t live without a certain person in your life. God is the only person you must have, and He’s promised to always stay with you (see Hebrews 13:5). Sometimes when we get depressed after the breakdown of a relationship or the loss of a friend, it can be because we’ve not cultivated enough of an outside life by doing things without that other person being involved. But it’s never too late to get started. And God will help you. Paul wrote: ‘The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear’ (2 Timothy 4:16-17 NLT). God will help you to stand strong and go on to what He has for you next.
