Loneliness

The Cartoon Strip, "ZIGGY" has been around since 1969. Created by Tom Wilson, Ziggy is a little man who is bald, barefoot, with little distinguishing features except his nose. He has no job, hobbies, or romantic partner, just several pets. One memorable cartoon has Ziggy sitting alone in a boat, drifting towards a sign that reads, "Tunnel of Meaningful Relationships."

One website I visited this week stated that, "Loneliness is a growing problem in our society. A study by the American Council of Life Insurance reported that the most lonely group in America are college students. That's surprising! Next on the list are divorced people, welfare recipients, single mothers, rural students, housewives, and the elderly."

Not too long ago there was an actual ad in a Kansas newspaper in which someone offered - "I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00." Believe it or not, it was not long until this ad was receiving a response of 20 calls per day.


Loneliness in our society is a result of the breakdown of family life as God would have it. Whether we realize it or not, we are causing both loneliness in others and in ourselves. There is nothing worse than the fact that many young children experience a deep sense of being alone - not receiving the love and attention they need to grow in a world that is often cold and cruel. Even people who are strong Christians will often feel isolated by life's circumstances. When there is a lack of affection or communication from other Christians, these individuals will often be shaken in their faith.

Loneliness is not an immediate occurrence. It is a gradual slipping away from healthy relationships and purposeful living. I am strongly convinced that the loneliness we often experience is due to poor choices in our interests and investments. When we spend the majority of our time on things that are going to pass away, as these things begin to slip through our fingers we begin to wonder about the meaning of our own existence.

I have never met a human being that has not admitted to experiencing the feeling of loneliness. This reminds me that people are lonely on a regular basis, and that they desire to be otherwise. This is why fellowship is important. This is why visitation is important. This is why is is a such a great blessing, knowing that we have a God and Savior who will never leave us or forsake us is always at our side to be an ever present help in time of trouble.

- Psa 94:14 -

"For the Lord will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance." ~ Psalm 94:14