Facing My Fear of Loneliness

Sermon Series: Facing My Fears
Message: Facing My Fear of Loneliness
Scripture: Genesis 2:18

"It is not good for the man to be alone.”  Genesis 2:18

Significance Of Interpersonal Relationships

• God created us that way
• Multiplies joys
• Divides our sorrows
• Provides us with the best environment for growth

There is a difference between being Lonely and being Alone 

Loneliness is a negative state, marked by a sense of isolation. A feeling that something is missing inside.

Things That Do Not Work In Combating Loneliness

• Ignoring your feelings
• Passive Rescue Wish
• Dropping our standards

Facing My Fear Of Loneliness

1. Remember God’s Promised Presence

I may feel lonely, but I am never alone! 

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7) 

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

When I Tune Into God’s Presence I Will Experience…

• His Strength

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

• His Peace

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

• His Joy

“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” (Psalm 16:8–9)

2. Pursue God’s purpose and plan for my life

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Get alone with God and ask Him what He's calling you to do in this season of your life.

What has he uniquely crafted you to do and to be so you can make a difference.

3. Get Intentional About Building Community

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:4–5)

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” (Proverbs 18:24, KJV)

Building Blocks For Genuine Community/Connection

The Foundation is Character

“Character is the internal, overall structure of the self that is revealed by our long-run patterns of behavior.” Dallas Willard 

“A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.” (Matthew 7:18)

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) 

In their book Safe People, John Townsend and Henry Cloud define a person of safe character as someone who:

• Draws me closer to God
• Draws me closer to Others
• Helps me Become the person God created me to be

Building On The Foundation

• Be Committed

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

• Be Considerate

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5)

• Be Confidential

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” (Proverbs 11:13)

• Be Candid

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:5–6)

“Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.” (Proverbs 24:26)

Being candid will also mean being Vulnerable

• Be Constructive

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17)

• Be Consistent

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17 

At times, feeling lonely can be a catalyst, the nudge I need to move forward in a new direction 

“When you feel lonely, when you feel unwanted, when you feel sick and forgotten, remember you are precious to Him.”  Mother Teresa

Making It Personal:

• Do you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Have you personally responded in faith and trust to God’s invitation to you to be a part of His forever family?
• How can you cultivate a sense of God’s presence with you daily? Are you spending time with God in His Word and in prayer on a regular basis?  What can you do to take your walk with God to a new level of awareness and closeness?
• Have you sought and submitted your life to God’s plan? What does God want to do in and through your life during this season?  How are you walking daily in cooperation with that plan?
• Are you vitally connected to a local church family? How are you fixed for friends?  Who are the people in your life that know you closely?  How can you “show yourself as a friend to others this week?” 
• Who can you share these truths with?