“SOLITAIRE”
Genesis 2:18 “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone”
Mother Teresa of Avila “the most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.”
Paul Tillich “language…has created the word ‘loneliness’ to express the pain of being alone; and it has created the word ‘solitude’ to express the glory of being alone.”
loneliness – “the painful awareness that we lack meaningful contact with others”
LONELINESS LURKS…
1. when I go through a life transition
2 Timothy 4:6 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.”
2. when I experience feelings of separation
2 Timothy 4:9, 11 “Be diligent to come to me quickly…Only Luke is with me.”
3. when I face individual opposition
2 Timothy 4:14-15 “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must be aware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.”
T.S. Elliot “What loneliness is more lonely than distrust?”
4. when I encounter personal rejection
2 Timothy 4:10 “for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world”
2 Timothy 4:16 “At my first defense, no one stood with me, but all forsook me.”
I CAN WIN OVER LONELINESS BY…
(1) utilizing my time
2 Timothy 4:13 “Bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas when you come – and the books, especially the parchments.”
(2) minimizing my hurt
2 Timothy 4:16 “At my first defense, no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.”
(3) recognizing God’s presence
2 Timothy 4:18 “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
(4) prioritizing others
2 Timothy 4:17 “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.”
APPLICATION STEPS:
o I will trust in Christ to be my Savior & Lord
o I will stop building walls (shutting others out)
o I will start building bridges (connecting with others)
o I will memorize 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
o I will adjust my weekly schedule so that I may participate in GCC’s small group ministry
