Data shows that nearly 60% of people in the U.S. report feeling lonely on a regular basis. And even if you’re someone with “a lot of friends” who looks like you “have it all together”, feelings of loneliness can creep in, especially when that loneliness revolves around the desire for a romantic partner.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
If this is something you’re dealing with or something you deal with from time to time, we want to share two important truths.
One—these feelings are natural and okay to have. There’s nothing wrong with you just because you’re feeling lonely. As we already mentioned, nearly two out of every three people in the U.S. experience these feelings regularly. In the Bible, many prominent figures like Elijah, Paul, David, and even Jesus experienced loneliness.
While we want to encourage you to find ways to remedy these unpleasant feelings, it’s still important to know that there’s nothing wrong with you and you’re not alone.
Two—We have a friend in Jesus. We have the opportunity to have a relationship with a God who can fulfill all of our needs—including loneliness. If you’re feeling lonely, this is an excellent opportunity to lean in more to your relationship with God. Allow him to meet your needs. Seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
Why is this so important when it comes to dating? When you feel like you need a relationship instead of wanting someone to complement your life, you run into problems. This is when people get hurt more, tend to settle more, are more prone to set their own timelines, and try and force relationships when they may not be right. If you focus more on finding satisfaction and companionship through a relationship with Jesus, your search for a romantic partner becomes easier, more fruitful, and more enjoyable.
📝 Here’s Some Reflection Questions:
- Do you feel like you’re looking for a romantic relationship out of need or out of want?
- Are there proactive steps you could take when you start to feel lonely to protect yourself from making unwise decisions as a result of an emotional reaction?
- Who are some people in your life you can use as a support system to encourage you when you’re feeling lonely?
Are you a single Christian looking to meet someone special? You can sign up for the Higher Bond App for free now! Click here to learn more or download the app below:
