What should you do if you are feeling lonely?

Valentines was a few weeks ago and love may still be in air and still on some of your minds. If you aren’t in a relationship you may have felt that February 14th highlighted your singleness and you’re left feeling frustrated or maybe disheartened wondering when your significant other will come. In some cases, you could even feel jealous towards people that are in relationships. But that’s not a fun way to live, God has got so much more for us! So how do we combat feelings of loneliness?

First, I would say pray about your feelings. It says in the bible “cast your anxieties on to God because he cares” – 1 Peter 5:7. The same way you may feel good after speaking to a trusted friend about your struggles, it’s like that with God. He is the perfect friend, and greatest counsellor!

Secondly, I would recommend spending time with your close family and friends. Although it’s great to go to God in prayer, he has given us community here on earth to come alongside us in life. Go and do some fun activities and remind yourself that you are not alone and you are more loved than you think.  If you feel comfortable, be honest with them about the way you are feeling so they can also encourage you and advise you when you are feeling down.

Remind yourself that your season of singleness is just as important as being in a relationship. There is so much to explore – you can go travelling, do some volunteering, start your own organisation or business, learn new languages, take up a new skill/ talent, the list is endless! And these are all things that you can do when you’re in a relationship too, but that’s the point! Your life isn’t ‘on hold’ until your dream partner comes along.

Remind yourself that singleness is beautiful. You need to enjoy every day that God has blessed you with and not wish them away. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for everything. and God’s timing is definitely the best! When you struggle to understand God’s timing I would suggest reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Print it and put it on your wall or write it on your phone.  But whatever you do, don’t rush into anything you are not ready for.

Most importantly you need to know that when you are in Christ you are never alone. In the latter part of Matthew 28:20 it says “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”. So long as you have Christ you have everything you need.