Facing Down the Fear of Loneliness

Loneliness is the painful recognition or perception that we lack close, meaningful relationships.

http://theatln.tc/2lYqvp5

An Epidemic of Loneliness

Katie Hafner, "Researchers Confront an Epidemic of Loneliness," The New York Times, September 5, 2016.

http://nyti.ms/2uqtNdh

Why Millennials Are Lonely

Caroline Beaton, "Why Millennials Are Lonely" Forbes, February 9, 2017..

http://bit.ly/2yjwxI8

Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?

Stephen Marche, "Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?" The Atlantic, May, 2012.

1. I will recognize that…

1. I will recognize that loneliness is a serious problem.

Genesis 2:18 NIV

Loneliness: A Worse Killer Than Obesity

"Loneliness may be more of a hazard to our health than obesity, according to a 2017 article published by the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C. At this very moment there are so many people feeling lonely that many nations like the United States now face what is being called a “loneliness epidemic.” Dr. Josh Axe, "Loneliness: A Worse Killer Than Obesity and What To Do About It" DrAxe website.

http://bit.ly/2gFDuL5

For Reflection/Discussion: Think back on a time when you felt most alone. What was that experience like? Why did you feel lonely? How did you deal with your feelings of loneliness? What did you learn from your experience? What is the difference between feeling lonely and being alone? How does loneliness affect our mental, spiritual, and physical health?

2. I will refuse to make…

2. I will refuse to make unhealthy, self-destructive choices when I feel alone.

Job 7:16 NIV

John 4:13-18 NIV

Christ and the Samaritan Woman (detail), Henryk Siemiradzki, 1890.

Our Hearts Are Restless

This is the famous passage from St. Augustine’s Confessions in which Augustine states “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” Crossroads Initiative website.

http://bit.ly/2yhxPFS

Five Self-Destructive Responses to Loneliness

1. Withdrawing from others/ social isolation

2. Feeling sorry for myself

3. Refusing to reach out/ ask for help

4. Not letting go of grievances/ refusing to forgive

5. Pursuing unhealthy relationships

For reflection/discussion: What are some of the harmful or self-destructive choices people make in an effort to deal with loneliness? Why do we refuse to ask for help, refuse to forgive, pursue unhealthy relationships, or look for ways to escape when we feel alone? In what ways, if any, do these things help us? In what ways do they hurt us and others? Are there any unhealthy or self-destructive actions, attitudes, or habits that you use to address loneliness in your life?

3. I will rebuild my life on…

3. I will rebuild my life on God, God's promises, and God's provision.

Psalms 68:5-6 NIV

Loneliness is an aversive signal like hunger, thirst, or pain.

Loneliness is a mutable state. It shouldn't be viewed as permanent.

Mark 12:28-31 NIV

The Church is a family for people without a family.

http://to.pbs.org/2qWDMVM

How Older Adults Can Recover from Loneliness

"It’s widely believed that older age is darkened by persistent loneliness. But a considerable body of research confirms this isn’t the case. In fact, loneliness is the exception rather than the rule in later life. And when it occurs, it can be alleviated: It’s a mutable psychological state." —Judith Graham, "How Older Adults Can Recover from Loneliness," Kaiser Health News, PBS SoCal website, May 18, 2017

For reflection/discussion: Why do we fear loneliness? What positive function can loneliness serve in our lives? What are some healthy ways to deal with loneliness when it comes our way? Think about some of the people you know whom you sense might be lonely. How can you let them know that they're not alone? How do StoneBridge Community Church's three core values (worship, group life, and service) address the problem of loneliness?

Genesis 2:18 NIV