Comfort for the Lonely

Spreading The Truth One Byte At A Time

By Ron Bender© 2008, 2013

The Bible offers special comfort and guidance for those who are lonely. That care comes in many different forms, each requiring those who feel isolated to take a step of faith. (All verses from the NIV 1984.)

Get involved in a community

“God sets the lonely in families.” Psalm 68:6

Invest in relationships for success, help, intimacy, and protection

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Develop true friendships

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

Receive and appreciate love

“Whatever is lovely… if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Use discernment before trusting others

“A righteous man is cautious in friendship.” Proverbs 12:26

Love God, others, and yourself

“Jesus replied, `Love the Lord your God…. Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39

Avoid overworking

“There was a man all alone…. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. `For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, `and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?’ This too is meaningless…” Ecclesiastes 4:8

Tell God how you feel

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16

Be honest with God and He will be near

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18; See also James 4:8.

Thankfulness helps you feel loved

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1 and 107:1. See also Psalm 100:5.

Helping others helps you too

“A kind man benefits himself…. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:17, 25. Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35, Romans 13:8.

Pray to God in “lonely places” and you are not alone!

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16; See also Matt 14:13-14, 23.

Jesus is always with you in Spirit

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7

God is with you in difficulty

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4

God promises never to abandon you

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5

The Lord receives the forsaken

“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” Psalm 27:10

 

It’s people like you who support "Bytes of Truth", which includes articles like this. Perhaps you would like to invest in the transformation of men in the community, Future leaders, productive workers, and care-givers? Your tax deductible donation to Transition To Community will support this website, help the transition of broken lives back into the community, and the spreading of truth one byte at a time. When giving just say Bender Bytes sent you.

Thank you!

Ron

Ronald Bender- President/CEO Bender Consulting.~http://www.benderbytes.net/bender_consult