Deafening Quiet – What the Bible Says About Feeling Alone

The Problem: Loneliness

~ 1 Peter 2:9

But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (ASV)

“No man is an island.” Not a direct quote from Scripture, but it originated from a sermon by seventeenth-century English author John Donne. It means that no one is self-sufficient; everyone needs to rely on someone, anyone. That’s just the way we were built. It should be stated somewhere in the manufacturer's instructions. Something like: “Designed to play well with others.” It’s programmed into our DNA to associate, be affiliated, and be connected. The condition of our relationships with others ultimately makes the difference between a great life, full of joy and accomplishment spent here on earth, and a miserable existence, filled with sorrow and heartache, with no one around to support us. Tragic, ain’t it? 

Nevertheless, some continue to fight “tooth and nail,” forcefully disentangling themselves from the company of others. The loner refuses participation in anything that remotely resembles “fitting in.” He declines every introductory membership into the Society of Man! He has successfully fought the battle of belonging within himself and has emerged victorious, completely alone and unaccompanied.

Every waiter recognizes him instantly as a “table for one.” Others mumble behind his back. “He’s a loner, a recluse, antisocial! What’s wrong with him? He must enjoy being on the outside looking in. Weirdo!” He hears the whispers but doesn’t care. He's content in his solitude. Fact: “People do not have to travel deep into some remote wilderness to find solitude.” They can find it easily within their zip code, daily, and twice on Sundays.

Speaking of Sundays, ever wonder why people avoid church? Usually, it's because of old wounds, big letdowns, or just plain faulty ideas they were exposed to growing up. Or maybe they got scorched by 'religion'—one of the enemy's oldest tricks. It’s a topic most people dodge. I mean, you don't bring up religion at a pool party. Jesus didn't even like it! It was the religious establishment that crucified Him.

So, why does someone choose to be a loner? The short answer is fear. They're afraid of being hurt again, of taking on responsibility and messing up, or of what their buddies might say. These folks flying solo haven't been shown that they have a part to play in a grand symphony. The Bible says that it’s our job to invite them to join the band. Like Jake Blues announced: "We're putting the band back together. We're on a mission from God." They don't have to do a "solo act." Understand that it takes at least two to make harmony – with one, it’s a monotone. (Sounds a lot like the word “monotonous,” doesn’t it?)

The Promise:

Here’s the truth of it all. Here's what the Bible says about feeling alone. It is our solemn mandate as followers of Jesus Christ to inform these “loners” of the genuine and eternal benefits of the church, not the misinformation of Man’s religiosity. The cost for admission into our clubhouse is free. The terms for entry into the family of God are simple: confess that they’re a sinner and believe the Son of God was born, died, and was resurrected for them and every other “loner” in the world. (Fact: Each one of us was a “loner” at one time or another! Even so, He loved us before we knew Him!)

Once they declare that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior, they are admitted into the most prestigious organization in the universe. Michelin doesn’t have enough stars to give it. And yet, much of the world remains unaware of the benefits. Even “Yelp” is clueless! It is a lifetime membership that includes all the perks and privileges. And the best part: all future membership fees have been waived; paid for on the cross. (I’m proud to say I'm a member in good standing, thanks to Jesus Christ!) 

It’s a family, a holy nation, where we can all be together; never again playing solo to an empty room. We’ve been chosen to be a royal priesthood belonging to the Creator of the Universe. (Do you want a label? Put that on your nametag!)

All of humanity had previously lived in a bleak midwinter’s night, but thank God Almighty, Jesus’ death and resurrection brought us back from the dead and into the light of His mercy and grace. That is the simple truth and perfect wonder of our God’s plan. You will never be alone again. That’s a promise, and it says so right here in “The Finer Print.” 

~ 1 Peter 2:9

But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (ASV)