After my previous post where I quoted the scripture, “I will put the lonely into homes,” I began to think about some things.  I believe it is important that we know the difference between being alone and being lonely.  In some ways, this is an extremely difficult post for me but I believe it is necessary.  First, lets define the two words.

Alone–Mirriam-Webster defines this as being separated from others; isolated.  God uses this word in Genesis chapter 2 when He says that it is not good for a man to be alone, so He created a helpmate for Adam.

Lonely–Mirriam-Webster defines this as  being without company; cut off from others; solitary; not frequented by human beings ;desolate; sad from being alone.  What is interesting is that this word appears very few times in the Bible and it isn’t found anywhere in the New Testament.

To put it simply, being alone is the lack of anyone near you physically.  To be lonely is to feel disconnected from others or society. 

As I think about these two words, I doubt many can say that they are alone.  Maybe you live by yourself or for some reason or another you aren’t around others often.  For a brief period of time, you are alone but unless you are a hermit living on a mountain and refuse any contact with people, I would say there are extremely few people who can say that they are truly alone. 

Now lonely is a totally different subject.  There are many who, even tho they are constantly surrounded by people, feel disconnected or without company.  Many who are in jails or nursing homes or even the eldery have feelings of lonliness that are justified.  Even people who are well known sometimes experience times of feeling of being cut off from others. 

I am a person who is very well known.  Very seldom can I go somewhere with a couple hour radius when I don’t run into someone who hasn’t heard my name or listened to me on the radio or know me from previous retail work.  I have even had a woman approach me at a hotel after she had heard my voice and asked me if I was Donny.  That said, there have been times in my life when I have still felt lonely.  It is interesting  how someone can be in a room of crowded people and still feel like they are not part of what’s happening.  I know this from experience. 

Progressively, God has been showing me truth from His Word and experientially allowing to me understand that I am not alone.  I can tell you from my own knowledge that I am not alone.  However, that doesn’t coincide with my feelings sometimes and so I must allow that truth to travel the distance between my brain and my heart.  I must experience not being alone and not just knowing about it. 

The disciples of Jesus traveled with Him for years and they heard the words He was teaching.  He even told them He would be leaving.  However, when it actually happened, they didn’t really understand and they scattered.  It really wasn’t until they had a person encounter with the risen Lord did they come to understand what He was saying.  Thomas even went as far as to say that until he touched His wounded side and hands, he wouldn’t believe it.  We sometimes call Thomas a doubter but I believe he wasn’t a doubter, he was an experiential believer.  In other words, don’t tell me the truth, show me the truth.  I believe there are many today who are saying to the church, “Don’t tell me Jesus loves me.  Show me He loves me.” 

If you feel you are alone today, know by the Word that since Jesus left, he promised He would be with you; you will never be alone.  If you are feeling lonely today, then connect with something…no, someone who is greater than yourself.  You are not alone.  Experience His life within you.  Maybe your best friend has left you.  Maybe you are missing the companionship of a spouse.  Maybe you are longing for the fellowship that is so vital.  I understand these things and they are very real.  Don’t sit in your feeling of loneliness.  Step out of your comfort zone and get connected.  Make some new friends.  Become an active part in your fellowship.  Until next time…live long and prosper!