What to do about loneliness? It’s a question many people are still asking as they did during COVID. Isolation, loss of personal connections with friends or family, has allowed loneliness to creep in, leaving some sad and bereft. However, right now there’s a spiritual response that enables us to experience the joy of companionship that’s good for our mental health and wellbeing.
It’s so comforting to know, that we are never really solitary, never cut off from the source of companionship, God, divine Love is our constant companion. This Love is always present, always companioning us in daily life, keeping us safe, taking away all sense of fear. As God’s loved person, we have been given spiritual courage to go out with confidence and responsibly engage with others. As the Bible reassures us. “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7. New King James Version.
Overcoming loneliness is achievable
A friend of mine who lives alone, has proved this to be true. As a daily reader of the Bible, along with Mary Baker Eddy’s book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, she has learned that divine Love is meeting her every need – including companionship. So, she was pleased when one day she visited a new café and sat down by herself at a long bench table. Unexpectedly, several other women did too. They said they came at that time every week. They invited her to join them for coffee and pleasant conversation. This led to a happy weekly outing and the companionship of new friends. Her need had been met.
Begin each day with heartfelt prayer. God, divine Love is our Father-Mother. That great Love companions each of us every moment. God made us in His image. We’re able to express Love’s qualities of confidence, kindness and togetherness. This kind of prayer, reminds us that God is always loving and caring for us. Our life is never an empty space. Kindness and good company are present. Knowing this, enables us to shrug off the mental cloak of loneliness and connect with others.
How to connect with others: When prompted by Love, we can briefly engage someone in encouraging small talk and not be silent. Or at the supermarket we can lovingly inquire how a team member, or their family, is getting along in these difficult times. Such simple, heart-felt conversations like these, can lift our spirit, and express Love’s kindness to others. “Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” Bible, Hebrews 10:24-25. New International Version.
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