Lonely?

I have come, over the years, to understand that many people are lonely. I also recognize that there are many differing reasons why loneliness exists. Some are saying that it is a National Health issue.

Loneliness kills. That’s the conclusion of a new study by Brigham Young University researchers who say they are sounding the alarm on what could be the next big public-health issue, on par with obesity and substance abuse. The subjective feeling of loneliness increases risk of death by 26%, according to the new study in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science. Social isolation — or lacking social connection — and living alone were found to be even more devastating to a person’s health than feeling lonely, respectively increasing mortality risk by 29% and 32%. (TIME)

The first to speak to this issue was Jehovah God. He said, “It is not good for man [mankind] to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18a)

We know that God designed a woman to be a complement for the first man (Adam), and God designed marriage and family to add solution to the difficulty of being alone. Its is also the design of God that men and women have friends. We are given examples repeatedly in the Scriptures of the strong friendships developed as a result of obedience to God’s Truth.  Then bringing the family and friends together, Christ formed the Church. Every Church is designed by God to be a place where friends and family can gather, care for and support each other, share life – indeed, llove one another, thereby providing the “social connection” that the Journal (above) is speaking about.

There are other social connections – multitudes of them. But the one that God designed, indwells, and empowers is the Church of Jesus Christ. It is there that one can (must) find all that is needed to limit the “social isolation” that our society creates.

Spend quality time with you spouse, your family, your friends, and your Church body. It is good for your health – physical and Spiritual.

If you don’t have “some one,” any family, a Church who cares about you, let me know. I know some who will help you erase your loneliness.