There is a worldwide epidemic of loneliness, especially among single women. We live in overcrowded cities where hundreds of people brush past us each day without even sharing a smile. When we are stopped, we instantly pass judgment on the individual to assure ourselves that they are harmless. As we arrive home, too many of us feel a strange sense of relief and sadness because, honestly, the joy of having some alone time has worn off.

God never intended for any of us (not even singles) to experience loneliness. Genesis 2:18 tells us that after God created Adam, He said, “…It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (NLT). The world was created and populated because God was building a loving family that He could fellowship with. No person was to be isolated. 

The Apostle Paul said, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38, NLT).

No single has to experience loneliness. One of the primary roots of loneliness is the fear of judgment and rejection. All over the world, some loving individuals and families would welcome our friendship and companionship if we would step out in faith. If we have allowed ourselves to become isolated, there are three ways that we can combat loneliness.

First, tap into the love of God. The Word of God tells us that God is love. However, if we suffer from loneliness, this is an indication that we haven’t allowed God’s love to saturate our spirit, body, and soul. The Bible is a love letter from God to us. The best way to experience God’s love is through prayer, meditation, and Bible study. It is not possible for any human being to know God, experience His love, and continue to feel sad, lonely, and isolated.

Second, we can connect with a local church home and get involved in one of the ministries. Churches welcome visitors and truly need community involvement in their programs. Some of us belong to a local church, but we are not connected through friendships and involvement. Others have left church offended or never joined a church. Either way, our Lord created the church for believers to connect, love, and care for one another. Overall, the worldwide church community does an excellent job of creating a new loving family for thousands of local residents. “So I say to you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9, NIV).

Third, we must forgive anyone who has hurt us and where it is possible, begin to reconnect broken family ties. Of course, this requires patience, judgment, and prudence. Usually, some family members will welcome hearing from us, while others need continued prayer support.

Loneliness feeds on the lie that “Nobody cares.” The truth is that there are many caring people in the world. In fact, the Bible says, “a neighbor is closer than a brother” (Proverbs 27:10). To cure loneliness, we must be willing to challenge defeating thoughts and risk reaching out to form new acquaintances.