Change, whether initiated by us or thrust upon us through life transitions, is an inevitable part of life’s journey. When these shifts occur, we often find ourselves struggling in unfamiliar waters, desperately seeking support to stay afloat. Such changes can profoundly affect our relationships, sometimes even severing them. Events like relocating away from loved ones, entering or exiting marriages, children leaving home, and experiencing the loss of a loved one are all examples of life transitions that can leave us feeling isolated and in need of companionship.
For over 22 years, I dedicated myself to raising my children, stepping away from a successful career. Although I remained actively involved through volunteer work, serving as an advocate at the local and state levels, my primary focus was always my family. When my youngest child left for college, I also decided to resign from my School Board position to pursue my long-held passion for writing, a calling I felt from God many years ago.
Many of my friendships were rooted in the activities and relationships formed during my children’s school and sports activities, as well as through my work on the school board. As these chapters of my life closed, I felt a profound sense of loneliness and isolation. While I am grateful for the dear friends who have stayed by my side throughout my journey of raising children, the void left by the changing dynamics of my life was palpable.
Loneliness can manifest in various forms, including social, emotional, and even spiritual isolation. Social loneliness arises from a lack of broad, engaging social connections, such as when we move to a new place or experience significant life changes. Emotional loneliness, on the other hand, stems from a lack of intimate relationships, leaving us feeling empty and abandoned. We can also feel spiritually disconnected from the Lord when these transitions occur. It’s worth noting that loneliness can sometimes coexist with depression, exacerbating the challenges we face.
Navigating loneliness is a complex issue rooted in our relationships, or lack thereof. Whether we are grappling with social, emotional or spiritual loneliness, the question of how to cultivate healthy relationships becomes paramount. Conversely, for those fortunate to have a robust support system, there’s an opportunity to extend that invitation to others in need.
One thing is clear from my research and reading God’s word, relationships and fellowship with God and other believers significantly impacts our lives for the better. Human connection is essential for our well being and directly impacts our spirit, soul, and body.
In a book I recently read, “Lymph & Longevity: The Untapped Secret to Health” by Dr. Gerald M. Lemole, the importance of spirituality in our well-being was highlighted. Dr. Lemole asserts that our spiritual lives are crucial to circulation and play a significant role in disease prevention and recovery. Loneliness, he notes, is not just a feeling but a risk factor for disease, underscoring the need to find a supportive community to journey through life’s ups and downs.
A documentary,, “The Blue Zones” with Dan Buettner, explored regions with a high number of centenarians, individuals who have lived to be 100 or older. The common threads to a longer life span among these communities included a strong sense of belonging, prioritizing loved ones, and being part of the right tribe. These groups shared a deep connection to a faith-based community, strong family ties, and robust social networks.
From the beginning of creation, God intended for us to live in community. After creating Adam and all living creatures, God remarked, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). Though sin disrupted God’s original plan, His promise to restore fellowship with Him came through Christ’s death on the cross.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we have access to peace and fellowship with God. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are given the Holy Spirit who is always with us and acts as our counselor. Just like with Adam & Eve, God’s design and desire has always been to be present in our life. We can feel a spiritual void when we don’t invest in a relationship with our Lord. An active spiritual relationship with God requires us to be in his word, prayer, meditation, worship, and meeting with other believers. It is in our obedience to Him where we can see his footprints alongside ours.
In Acts 2:42, we see the early Christians devoting themselves to fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. All the believers needs were met by each other. The Greek word for fellowship, koinonia, implies a deep, intimate sharing among believers, where each member contributes to the well-being of the whole. Fellowship is mentioned 19 times in 17 verses of the New Testament.
We are called to share with those in need, to be patient and harmonious, and to empathize with one another’s joys and sorrows (Romans 12:12-16). It is also important to note, God has given each of us unique gifts, which, like the parts of a body, are meant to function together. When we are in fellowship with each other, our gifts work together to build up the body of Christ, take care of the church body, and spread the gospel.
While there may be moments when we are isolated/lonely, we can trust that God has designed us for fellowship, both with Him and with our fellow believers. Through our faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit’s presence, we are never truly alone. As we journey through life, let us embrace the call to fellowship, supporting and uplifting one another as we strive to live out God’s purpose for us. Together, we form the body of Christ, supporting and encouraging each other along the way. Our spirit, soul, and body depend on these relationships!
