Edna says, “I lost my mom in 2005, my husband in 2009 and in 2013 my dad died.  I feel so lost.  I have no one.  I sometimes feel that God has forgotten me.  Where do I turn?”

God responds to those who are lonely and sad.  In Isaiah 58:10, God says, “If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.”  God seems to be saying, forget yourself, for a little while, and focus on helping others who are suffering.

Recently, I asked a widow, how did you, and how do you cope with the loneliness after your husband died?  Janet responded, “I was surrounded by neighbors who I did not know because my husband and I had recently moved to Holland, Michigan.  So, I started inviting neighbors to dinners in my home.  Most people enjoy a dinner out, and I love to cook.  So, everyone benefitted.  My lonely house was filled with people, I met wonderful new friends and life seemed hopeful again.  Eventually, I also started inviting individuals from my church.”

Another widow responded, I began to look around our congregation.  I saw many widows, widowers and other individuals who were alone.  I came up with a plan:  whenever I began to feel lonely, I do one of the following:

• Pick up the phone and call someone
• Write and send a card
• Visit someone—especially those who may be homebound or in a nursing home

Another person’s advice is:  volunteer your service to others.  There are volunteer programs at hospitals, churches, schools and libraries.  Consider visiting a nursing home to cheer up the patients.  When you reach out, you find purpose and moments of joy.

One key to coping with loneliness:  forget yourself, for a little while, and focus on helping others.

For more wisdom on loneliness, click on the links below:

Feeling Gloomy?
Tips for Coping with Loneliness