How can I overcome loneliness?
You're not alone in feeling alone. Learn how to fight the loneliness pandemic like Jesus did.
M. C. Gomez
9/8/20262 min read
Loneliness is on the rise among Gen Z.
In fact, loneliness has reached the halls of the every college campus. Many students wander and wonder, “what am I doing here?” “Does anyone actually see me?” “Why does it feel like I have no real friends?”
We’ve felt that too.
And so did Jesus.
His friends didn’t understand who He was, His enemies hated Him, and His closest followers abandoned Him. Rough, right?
In Christian theology, loneliness is not discussed enough as a theological theme because it isn’t explicitly talked about in Scripture. Yet Jesus’ life, and the lives of many Biblical characters, clearly implies how loneliness has played a role in the context of faith.
At Food for the Soul Theology Club, we understand this and go even further, knowing that loneliness has impacted us as a generation, and believing it is important to faithfully study loneliness in the light of Scripture to better understand how moments of isolation can actually help us more than hurt us.
Though loneliness is a very painful feeling, it is important to remember that we are never alone.
Even if we are far away from the ones we love, or even if we do not feel like we are loved, let us remind you that God is always there with you and for you (Matthew 28: 20).
Though everything in the world may change, God’s nature remains consistent and stable throughout eternity, meaning that we can ultimately rely on Him and Him alone to overcome any challenges we may face - including feelings of loneliness. Though God does not desire for us to feel lonely, He takes everything that the enemy intends for evil and turns it for good (Romans 8:28). That’s why, when we are feeling lonely, He invites us to follow Jesus’ example to overcome the suffocating emotions that arise with loneliness.
But then, if we are to follow Jesus’ example, then we must ask ourselves, what did He do when He felt lonely?
He sought God.
He prayed.
He served.
And by serving those who felt more lonely than He did, Jesus embodied how serving the broken is ultimately what fills our hearts with God’s presence.
In more practical terms, loneliness can wither away once we spend time with God, and spend time serving God by helping those in need. Serving others - whether it’d be by volunteering at a local nonprofit or being a gracious listening ear - is the remedy that makes loneliness wither away, because we allow God’s love to not only flow in us, but through us, to other people.
When we serve, we not only surround ourselves with other brothers and sisters, but ultimately, end up being used by God to establish traces of community among them.
Food for the Soul Theology Club longs for every student to invite God to strengthen them so they may fight the loneliness pandemic by following Jesus’ example.
Though loneliness is prevalent in our day and age, we have hope in a God who is always with us, and who will always provide us with the encouragement and people we need to live our faith strong.
At Food for the Soul Theology Club, we welcome all college students and young adults to join us in the fight against loneliness by participating in our community that seeks God, prays, and serves others.
Just like our Lord Jesus did.