Being Alone Isn't the Same as Being Lonely

Being alone and being lonely are not the same thing.

Some people enjoy solitude and find it refreshing. Others can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone.

In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw explores the difference between healthy solitude and loneliness, why loneliness can hurt so deeply, and the comfort found in God's promise that He will never leave us or forsake us.

If you've ever felt isolated, disconnected, or forgotten, this devotional is for you.

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Transcript

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Somebody asked me recently what I had planned for the weekend. I said hopefully nothing. I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. Hebrews thirteen five. Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. When I said hopefully nothing, I meant it. I've had weekends where every hour was booked, and by the time Monday rolled around, I felt like I needed a weekend to recover from my weekend. I always joke that my whole goal in life is to be home. I appreciate being home. Give me a little yard work, a good book, maybe a video game, church on Saturday night, dinner, and a good TV show to binge, and I'm perfectly happy. That's probably because I'm an introvert. Being alone doesn't bother me. Being lonely is something entirely different. I think those two things get confused a lot. Jesus spent time alone. He would step away from the crowds and spend time with his father. There's nothing wrong with solitude. Sometimes it's exactly what we need. But loneliness isn't measured by how many people are around you. You probably know people who seem to have friends everywhere they go and still feel lonely. And you probably know people sitting by themselves who are perfectly content. Loneliness starts making an appearance when we feel disconnected, unseen, forgotten, and if it goes on long enough, it can take us to some pretty dark places. That's one reason loneliness can hurt so much. God created us for relationship, relationship with Him and relationship with one another, whether you're extrovert or introvert. At the same time, Scripture reminds us that God's presence isn't determined by whether we happen to feel it on a particular day. When God said, Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you, that was a promise, not a feeling. We all experience loneliness at times. David certainly did. So did Elijah. Even Paul spent seasons feeling isolated, yet God never abandoned them, and he hasn't abandoned you either. So if you're enjoying some time alone, enjoy it. There's nothing wrong with recharging. But if you're feeling isolated, disconnected, or forgotten, don't keep carrying that by yourself. Reach out to somebody. Call a friend, talk with a pastor, let someone know what you're going through. Being alone, not the same as being lonely. And no matter how lonely life may feel at times, God has certainly not left your side. Lord, thank you for always being with us. Thank you for the promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. For those who are feeling lonely today, remind them of your presence and your love. Help us build healthy relationships and give us the courage to reach out when we need help. In Jesus' name, amen. If you got some encouragement from today's devotional, I'd love to have you join me again for another episode of Faith Fuel. New devotionals are available every weekday morning. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.