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 For them God seems unapproachable, withdrawn, and unconcerned.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).