Spiritual Loneliness
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Straight to the Cross
GUEST ARTICLE
Spiritual Loneliness
by Bobby Dockery
One of the most disheartening human experiences is
loneliness — the empty feeling of being cut off
and isolated from other people. The greatest
loneliness, however, is not that of a person who
is separated and isolated from other human beings.
The greatest loneliness of all is loneliness of
the soul — the spiritual isolation of a person who
is separated from God!
Sadly, spiritual loneliness is a common condition
in our world. Far too many people feel cut off and
remote from God. For them God seems
unapproachable, withdrawn, and unconcerned. They
feel isolated from Him primarily because they have
failed to take advantage of the following ways in
which God seeks to maintain vibrant fellowship
with His people.
Bible Study. The Bible is a divinely authored
account of God’s dealings with men and women of
the past, as well as an authentic record of His
will for men and women today. It claims to have
been inspired or "breathed-out" by God (2 Tim.
3:16). In a very real sense, then, the Bible is
God speaking to man. Spiritual strength, comfort,
and hope are available in the Word of God. Peter
urges us to develop an appetite for the sincere
milk of the Word as a prerequisite to spiritual
health and fulfillment (1 Pet. 2:2)
Prayer. Prayer is the spiritual life-line which
binds the Christian to God. Prayer is a reservoir
of spiritual strength. It literally ushers the
Christian into the presence of God. The tragedy of
spiritual loneliness is that it is so unnecessary!
We need only to speak to be heard! Jesus taught:
"Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye
shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you"
(Matt. 7:7).
Worship. Worship offers a third bridge between God
and man. In worship, humanity calls upon divinity,
and God draws near to man. Jesus promised: "For
where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt.
18:20). Assembling with like-minded Christians for
the purpose of praising God and celebrating His
power and goodness is an act of fellowship which
dispels spiritual loneliness.
When you feel isolated and alone, seek the
presence of God! "Draw nigh to God and He will
draw nigh to you" (Jms. 4:8). And remember that
God has promised to those that come to Him: "I
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb.
13:5).
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