Loneliness has to be experienced to be understood and it is by no means peculiar to those who live alone. It is possible to be very lonely indeed amidst a crowd of people. It is also one of the trials that many of us have to face at some time in our lives. 

A sympathetic ear devoid of impatience; a little understanding of the problems of loneliness; an act of kindness and love—all warm the heart of the lonely one. These things help to make life easier, but the problem of being lonely remains. 

The loneliness of Jesus Christ 

Jesus must have experienced loneliness on many occasions. He knew the warmth of family life, but preparation for his ministry and service to his Father had to come first in his life. This dedication to his Father offended his family at times and drew him apart from them. This is evident when his mother and brethren waited without, hoping to see him, but Jesus, indicating his disciples, said, "Behold my mother and my brethren". In spite also of the closeness to him of his constant companions, the disciples, they were far from understanding fully his purpose and sacrifice.

During the last few days of his life, Jesus' loneliness increased. When he needed them most, his friends left him. At the last supper his disciples contended as to who should be accounted the greatest, and Judas departed to betray him. Fearful of what should become of them, the disciples fled when Jesus was taken by the soldiers, thus fulfilling the Master's prophecy that they would be scattered as sheep without a shepherd. The final ordeal of the cross was before Jesus. 

So with all this loneliness how did Jesus cope? 

Jesus gained strength throughout his ministry by his quiet communion with God. We cannot achieve the closeness of Jesus to God, but we can turn often to God in prayer, gaining strength in time of need.

Presence of Jesus 

Of all human experiences, one of the most poignant is that of being separated from those we hold dear. To take leave of one we love is to experience an acute sense of loss—a feeling of sadness and of loneliness—the intensity of which varies with the strength of our regard for the one who is going away.

What then, we may ask, must have been the feelings of the disciples of Jesus when, after he had led them as far as to Bethany, their Lord blessed them and was parted from them and carried up into heaven? Surely, their sense of loss must have been more intense than anything we have experienced.

If we have ever reasoned along these lines, we shall be surprised to discover that in point of fact the disciples' feelings on this memorable occasion were quite otherwise. The Gospel records of the Ascension betray no sense of loss. On the contrary, to quote from Luke's account, when they had witnessed the Ascension of their Lord the disciples "returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God." How is this remarkable paradox to be explained ? How is it that whereas we are downcast and sad when we have taken leave of a loved one, the eleven, in apparently similar circumstances, were able to rejoice? There is only one possible explanation: the disciples did not believe that in any real sense they had been separated from their Lord. They were, in fact, filled with an overwhelming sense of his presence. Jesus was gradually training them to understand that he was present everywhere. 

Presence of God 

Loneliness does not necessarily mean absence of other persons, it is more likely to be lack of affinity of mind. Satisfaction of heart is not experienced in a crowd, but in the consciousness of someone who is one with us in thought and aspiration. Though mankind are bound closer together than ever by the inventions that enter every home and land simultaneously, yet loneliness of heart is just as possible as before.

Companionship is more real in the realm of the spirit than that of the senses. It is the spiritual presence or companionship of the Divine that gives radiance to a man's countenance, stedfastness to his faith, and love and joy to his heart. It was the blessing offered to the Children of Israel that shepherded them through the wilderness when they had left Egypt for the Promised hand. Moses said, "Show me Thy way that I may know Thee,” and the reply came: "My presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest."

The modern Children of the Covenant are assured of a triumphant end to their pilgrimage in the same promise echoed ages after, through the words of the Good Shepherd :

"If a man love me, he will keep my words and my Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him. For such a man—all things abound !”

God is present everywhere so there is no need to feel lonely.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. But as for me, it is good to be near God.

Overcoming loneliness 

We all need human relationships.  

Complete isolation is not beneficial; men and women need companionship so that we can show love, consideration, sympathy, responsibility and mutual understanding. These are qualities which God has and is looking for us to have as well.

Some people who wanted to stop being lonely did the following:

Another way to overcoming loneliness is to care for the lonely.

In the early days of the first century there were traveling prophets and teachers who were helped on their way by various people who housed and fed them. Hospitality is a way of showing love to others. Because of our individualistic, self-centred society, there are many people who wonder if anyone cares whether they live or die. If you find such a lonely person, show him or her that you care!  

Overcoming loneliness – turning to God 

Jesus gained strength throughout his ministry by his quiet communion with God. We cannot achieve the closeness of Jesus to God, but we can turn often to God in prayer, gaining strength in time of need. 

Praying to God in times of loneliness can help relieve the feelings of isolation.

The writer of this psalm (King David) was surrounded by his personal guard and his closest advisers and supportive friends, yet he still felt alone. He felt alone because he had been betrayed. We may be rejected by our family or betrayed by a close friend and this can make us feel very much alone and isolated. Praying to God can be the answer. 

Solitude

Sometime being alone can be a good thing. 

Solitude is a being at a remote place where there are no other people. It is a lonely, unfrequented place for example in the mountains. 

Solitude is important for prayer and refreshment. 

Jesus had to get up very early just to get some time alone. If Jesus needed solitude for prayer and refreshment, how much more is this true for us? Don’t become so busy that life turns non stop activity leaving no room for quiet time alone with God. No matter how much you have to do, you should always have time for prayer. 

Develop the discipline of spending time alone with God – it will help you grow spiritually and become more and more like Christ.