Her subject? Loneliness.
Fergusson chronicled the increasing rates of loneliness, irrespective of one’s social or economic status, using heart-wrenching examples of what it feels like to be lonely.
The hurt of feeling alone isn’t new to our day.
In fact, the experience of loneliness can span across our lifetime.
Many experience it in the adolescent years when we grapple with life transitions and questions of identity.
Then it can arise again in mid-life, when we establish family life, work and social connections.
Then it can happen again in old age.
The issue of social isolation and loneliness is so serious that the World Health Organisation has declared them a global public health threat.
In Ecclesiastes 4, we can be reminded of the benefit of companionship and friendship.
In verse 9, we read, “Two are better than one”.
Friends help you accomplish more than you could achieve on your own.
Verse 10 says, “If one of them falls down, the other can help him up”.
Friends can help in times of need.
Verse 12 says, “Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break”.
Friends can provide protection and support in difficult situations.
Loneliness can be a significant struggle for many people.
God created us to offer and receive the benefits of friendship and community.
Today, if you know someone who’s lonely, or are lonely yourself reach out to someone.
A smile, a listening ear and a conversation over a cuppa can make a huge difference to someone and can lift your spirits.
We can also find encouragement in the reality that we are never truly alone because Jesus’ Spirit is always with us.
Matthew 28:20 says, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”.
May I encourage you to make a connection with God today.
~ Contributed by Sandra Whyborn of the Deniliquin Salvation Army, on behalf of Deniliquin Combined Churches.
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