I sure found this startling when I read it:
A study from Cigna Insurance Company discovered “only around half of Americans say they have meaningful, daily face-to-face social interactions.”
This information comes alongside public health reports claiming loneliness kills as many people as obesity and smoking.
And there are also more extreme cases popping up of people literally dying of loneliness and not being found for days... or weeks.
Wow... how incredibly sad.
I knew loneliness was on the rise... and that it often leads to depression... but I didn't realize it can be so harmful to your overall health.
Loneliness, of course, is detrimental to your spiritual well-being too.
God didn't make us to function alone... and the soul suffers if we're isolated.
This is why there are so many 'one another' passages in the Bible...
... like those saying we're to encourage one another (1 Thess. 5:11)... and spur one another on to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24).
A vibrant marriage and family life is the best ongoing antidote to loneliness.
And God has designed relationships in His church as a primary way to overcome loneliness too.
But if you're single or widowed... or ill or infirm... or feeling like you don't fit anywhere... or are overworked... or isolated for any reason... it's easy to get lonely.
And if this describes you at all, I encourage you to take some action.
Don't wait for someone to rescue you from your loneliness.
Take the initiative and reach out to someone.
Perhaps figure out some ways you can serve others who are outside of your life right now.
It will help you break free from spending too much time in your own thoughts.
Those you serve will be heartened.
You'll feel better too.
And it will help strengthen, encourage and bring out the gifts God wants you to be using.
Which is good because He's made you with a lot to offer.
Get Dominion,