“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16, NIV

July 11th is “Cheer up the Lonely Day” in the United States. Although we are more connected to other people via the internet than ever before, people are feeling more isolated than ever before. For some facts about loneliness, visit https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/the-facts-on-loneliness/ and https://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-americans-are-lonely-and-gen-z-most-of-all-study-finds/.

This month, write about a time that you were lonely:
-When did you first recognize your loneliness?
-How did your faith shape your perspective during this time?
-How long did the feelings last?
-What happened to help you stop feeling lonely? Or, if you are still lonely, what do you do to cope?

To add some application to this assignment, identify someone near you who is lonely and take some time to visit them and let them know that you are thinking about them. Share how this experience affects both of you.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10, NIV