Loneliness is not a fun subject to talk about, but with the isolation and quarantining millions of people have been enduring as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, it is more of an epidemic than ever before.
My devotion today at Proverbs 31, Overcoming the Pain of Loneliness, speaks directly into this subject, but I wanted to share more info and encouragement today on the blog!.
Economic researcher Steve Cole did a study in which he looked at white blood samples under a molecular microscope from men and women who identified as being lonely. He was startled to discover that in each sample, “the blood cells appeared to be in a state of high alert, responding in the same way they would if the body was plagued with a bacterial infection. Mr. Cole also stated that, “It was as though the subjects were under mortal assault by a disease – the disease of loneliness.” But in Christ, no matter what we’re struggling with, we can overcome.
A senior research scientist at the University of Chicago stated that loneliness “is a universal human experience, and being the social animals that we are, there must be implications when those social connections are not satisfied.” She also noted that when our human need for connection is not satisfied, “that the consequences are very real in terms of mental and physical health.”
Researchers at the AARP Public Policy Institute, Stanford and Harvard, found the disease of loneliness adds almost $7 billion a year to the cost of Medicare, primarily because of longer hospital stays which could be due to a lack of community at home. There are many more studies I could reference to prove the danger of the disease of loneliness, but you get the point. So how do we cope? How we do overcome loneliness so it’s doesn’t overcome us?
In my recent book, Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart After Divorce, I wrote an entire chapter on loneliness. But whether or not you are separated or divorced, or just in a lonely season of life, this chapter can still speak to your heart.
One of the passages I always try to remember when I’m lonely is found in Psalm 139:1-7
O Lord, you have examined my heart, and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!
These verses magnify the omnipresence of God in our lives and serve as a sweet reminder of how He knows us more deeply than anyone and we are never truly alone.
For more tips on managing your loneliness, making the most of your alone time, reclaiming your mental and emotional health and learning to be happy, optimistic and fulfilled despite what circumstances you may be facing, check out my books below by clicking on the covers!
Tracie, after reading today’s devotional, I bowed my head and prayed for you. I’m sure many others are as well. Thank you for your ministry and I pray that God will bless you in ways beyond your imagination. God bless you.
Tracie, I am so grateful for your faith through this storm and for you being willing to share your journey to help others. I have a sweet friend in the middle of this now, it has been so very difficult for her and her 3 teen girls.