THE SEASON OF LONELINESS
Growing in the Season of Life – Part 2
“… It is not good for man to be alone.” Genesis 2:18
What causes loneliness? 2 Timothy Chapter 4
1. TRANSITION
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, [and] I have kept the faith.” (vs. 7)
2. SEPARATION
“Do your best to come to me quickly.” (vs. 9)
“Do your best to get here before winter…” (vs. 21)
3. OPPOSITION
“Alexander, the metal worker, did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done, and you should be on your guard against him because he strongly opposed our message.” (vs. 14-15)
4. REJECTION
SELF-DEFEATING COPING ACTIONS TO LONELINESS
o Workaholism
o Materialism
o Excessive Social Media Abuse
o Alcoholism or Prescription Drugs.
o Sexual Escape
o Escape into a World of Fantasy
o Isolation
HOW TO GROW IN THE SEASON OF LONELINESS
1. ACKNOWLEDGE AND IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF YOUR LONELINESS.
“I’ve already been poured out like a drink offering and the time has come for my departure.” (vs. 6)
2. I NEED TO UTILIZE MY TIME.
“Bring me the cloak I left with Carpus, and bring my books, especially the parchment.” (vs. 13)
3. MINIMIZE MY HURT.
“Everybody has deserted me… [He went on trial before Nero. Nobody came to his defense]. …May it not be held against them.” (vs. 16)
4. RECOGNIZE GOD’S PRESENCE.
“But the Lord stood by my side and gave me strength…” (vs. 17)
Jesus: “I will not leave you orphans…” John 14:18 (NIV)
“I will not leave you comfortless…” John 14:18 (KJV)
“… I will send the comforter…” John 14:16
“… And Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20
“… Where can I flee from your presence?” Psalms 139:7
5. EMPHASIZE OTHER’S NEEDS.
“Through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it…” (vs. 17)
*The key to overcoming loneliness is STOP BUILDING WALLS and START BUILDING BRIDGES.
What do you do?
1) Open your life to Jesus Christ.
2) Join a church family.