Problem Solver – 5 – Loneliness is a Problem You Can’t Solve Alone

Welcome

 

Problem Solver

Last week: Guidance and observation

 

What do you do when the problem is you?
-when you don’t fit in?
-problems you can’t solve.

 

Loneliness is a problem you can’t solve alone

Loneliness epidemic.

 -¼ Americans lonely.

 -Picture a lonely person? Young or old?

 -Ages 19-29 are the loneliest group. (27%)

Health

 -social isolation 32% early death

 -reported feeling lonely 14% early death

 

How do you feel?

Long before the studies… God said loneliness is not good.

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

What was around Adam at the time?
 -Nature
 -Animals
 -God

Not enough – You need another human.

 

Loneliness is a problem you can’t solve alone

Not solved by…
  -exercise
  -medication
  -education

 

Friendship

Important truth.

Identify your real friends.

Prov 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
A higher mark of friendship… NOT just things in common.
Not everyone is a friend…
You need a Proverbs 17:17 friend!

When do they love? – at all times.

Brother/closest relation – stands with you in worst times

 

Are you a proverbs 17:17 friend?

Friendship is a good investment.

People have hurt you… but don’t give up on friendship.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

 

Friendship is not always fun

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Jesus… but not just Jesus.
We are called to a Jesus level of friendship.

 

Friendship is not always fun

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

What do you think that means?
Real friends hold you accountable.
 -not yes men

 

“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” – Thomas Sowell

 

Loneliness is a problem you can’t solve alone

We need Proverbs 17:17 friends.

 -Meet people.

 -Connect Group

 -Hang out – do life together

 -Pray that God puts people in your life.

 

But what happens when you have a problem that is too big?

What if all your friends forsake you?
What if no one understands you?
What if you are actually all alone?

 

John was the last remaining of the 12 disciples…
 -Friends executed.
 -(history) John boiled in oil but lives.

 -deserted on the island of patmos. (Prison island)

John still had a friend.
 -Heard a voice… turned and saw Jesus.

Matthew 28:20 (NIV) …And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

 

Jesus is a constant friend

Have you talked with your friend today?

 

Let’s talk about you… You either…

-Are lonely
-You know someone who is lonely

How will you solve the problem of loneliness?

• Pray for God to put people in your life
• Meet People
  • Connect Group
  • Do life together
  • Invite someone to hang out after Church
• Ask Jesus to help you
  • Ask your Church family to help