How to handle loneliness in the Christian community.

” And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:24, NKJV.

“Unfortunately I cannot meet up this weekend….”

I was bummed when I had to cancel the third time these past two months. It has been a sick, busy Holiday season, and just ” life gets in the way” lately. I mean you look at the statistics and the flu and respiratory viruses have been on a rise! When I had to cancel with a long-time friend I enjoy meeting, it was pretty disappointing. We both have young families and live quite a distance away so planning in advance is the best method when you want quality time! However, the weather, sick babies, and mamas who are deprived of sleep kind of get in the way.

Since being born again, I have had a few friends who I would consider sisters in Christ(other born-again believers). I have been in deep, deep, very deep prayer for just more BIBLE-believing Christians to surround me and my family. The Word says we are not to give up meeting together. We should not neglect our attendance at church and also fellowship with other like-minded, godly people. We should make this a priority in our life. We should yearn to be around other believers who are walking in love, purity, and righteousness. This is so important for them and yourself.

In 1 Timothy, Paul advises Timothy of this as he is in ministry: “Let no one despise your youth but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” 1 Timothy 4:12-13, NKJV. Exhortation( to encourage, to admonish) popped out to me when I was studying this verse during my personal reading this week. We should be coming together and encouraging each other to grow and walk in ways that are pleasing to the Lord. We should not neglect fellowship.

Reason and a purpose?

Well as I mentioned before, lots of prayers to meet new Godly mothers and wives have been on my heart! Well, I was invited to a prayer group and unfortunately, I could not make it. I was chatting with my husband and felt like I was maybe missing something with all the “closed doors” that have been occurring. As always, he reminded me that things happen and there will be other opportunities. God always sees us! He is so faithful and to answer my prayer for more fellowship and to get this far (invitations and connections) goes to show that this is His will and it will be done eventually.

When you come to those times of loneliness, stress, disappointment, or even happiness- always go back to Jesus. Always go to prayer and remember that not everything lasts forever. We have those seasons where getting together to fellowship will be tough but I strongly believe we need to keep trying and stay planted with those that are like-minded in Christ.

Final thoughts and feelings on loneliness in friendships…

As we navigate throw this fall and winter time, I have come to understand that connecting may not be too easy. I failed to mention above that I also hate the cold weather, so meeting up at a park is not going to happen haha so easily as it would if it was a sunny, breezy day. However, my main point is we will have many times when plans fail. I have missed out on meeting up with people multiple times in the last few months and it is so needed as we see in the Word. Try your best to stay close to your friends who draw you close to the Lord and encourage you to be the best wife, mother, and friend as God calls us to be.