Lonliness - 3

In our last post we looked at handling loneliness. First step is digging deeply into intimacy with Abba Papa, our Father, God. Yet, Genesis says, “it is not good for man to be alone.” Scattered throughout the New Testament is the theme of “body life,” believers ministering to each other. Christianity is not designed for the Lone Ranger.

Thus, after itimacy with God comes horizontal relationship – loving your neighbor as yourself. Giving to others. Loving others. Another antidote to loneliness.
After this scenario people really differ in their handling loneliness.

Personally, I found that involvement in some “hands on project” was a nice diversion and is part of the balance I was seeking, post Ann’s death. Building a mini-barn provided great enjoyment and was a result of loneliness motivation. However, we must take care not to escape loneliness or dull our senses, through excesses of any kind and thus lose out on the benefits of loneliness.

Yes, benefits of loneliness, of pain or trials. Going through Ann's notes after her death, I found the following writing: "Don't be afraid of heartbreak. I've learned to welcome it because somehow today's heartache always leads to tomorrow's triumph and you are repaid many times over in joy what you have given in tears."

Charles Spurgeon said “Many people owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.”

Can there be joy in heartache? 2Cor.6:10 says, our hearts ache yet we have the joy of the Lord. James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (patience). Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Consider it pure joy: joy from the Greek dictionary: to be cheerful, calmly happy or well off, to be well, be glad, rejoice, calm delight. New Bible commentary on James 1:2-4: Rejoice, not because the pain is pleasant but because we should have a perspective which looks beyond the present life to eternal reward. The pure joy is not a present happiness, but joy in anticipation of God's future. Rejoice because this testing produces perseverance or patience, an oft mentioned virtue in the Christian life.

This type of maturity is produced by clinging tightly to the faith while in the firey trial. The impurities in one's character will be burned off. The end result will be not just maturity, but completeness, not a single part of a Godlike character will be lacking.
More tomorrow on the value of loneliness.