Dealing with loneliness

We all have experienced loneliness as did individuals in Scripture. With each of their stories we learn a lesson to help us deal with our own loneliness. Elijah found himself alone in cave in 1 Kings 19. The cause of his loneliness was self-pity. The lesson we learn is that in times of loneliness we need to lead a full life. Joseph found himself alone in a pit in Genes 37. The cause of his loneliness was betrayal.  The lesson we learn is that in times of loneliness we need to believe that God has a purpose. Hannah found herself alone at a banquet in 1 Samuel 1. The cause of his loneliness was infertility. The lesson we learn from her life is that we need to pour our hearts out to God. Ruth found herself alone in a land in Ruth 1. The cause of her loneliness was grief. The lesson we learn is that in times of loneliness we need to lean on a support system of friends. Paul found himself alone in a jail in 2 Timothy 4. The cause of his loneliness was death. The lesson we learn is that in times of loneliness we need to deal with our circumstances head on. Loneliness can become our best friend if we allow it to draw us closer to God.