Thinking Biblically About Loneliness: A 5-Day Reading Planಮಾದರಿ

Day 3: Biblical Examples of Loneliness

Loneliness is not alien to those in the Bible. In fact the Old Testament holds many examples of, and wisdom for, the experience of loneliness. The reason for emotional loneliness can be rejection and betrayal. The prophet Hosea experienced such loneliness.

Cultural loneliness arises as a reaction to the rejection of the culture in which a person lives. This is the loneliness of Moses, David, almost all the prophets, and even Christ himself. The positive aspect of this type of loneliness is that it contributes to the crystallization of identity and a person’s reassessment of social values and norms. Such loneliness is a normal and necessary part of the true Christian experience in relation to a secular, sinful culture. It should be the common experience of every Christian who seeks to live according to the highest biblical moral standards.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the preacher reflects on the problem of social loneliness and the advantages of living in a community: protection, a sense of security, mutual satisfaction, and well-being. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Eccl 4:9–10, 12).

Job, David, and Ecclesiastes are examples of existential loneliness. Its signs are futility and a sense of the meaninglessness of life, the search for our place in life, especially in times of upheaval and trial.

The root cause of social, cultural, and existential loneliness is spiritual loneliness, which originates from humanity’s broken relationship with God due to sin. This is a feeling of “being forsaken by God, ” a certain homelessness, alienation, and loss of the human spirit without God. This is the loneliness of Adam and Eve after the fall, Cain after killing Abel, and the Messiah on the cross. Such loneliness is overcome thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

In general, the problem of humanity’s loneliness can be solved only through the atoning death of Christ, through his separation from the Father. It breaks the vicious cycle of enmity with God and other people, the cycle of misunderstanding and loneliness.