Nobody likes to be alone.

At the core of who we are, we all have a desire to experience community, friendship, and love.

Sure, each of us has had those moments when you’re annoyed with essentially the entirety of humanity, and you just want some time to yourself.  Let’s be honest.  If you’ve never felt that way, you’re a much better person than I!

But there is not much that can make you feel quite as empty as utter loneliness can, and we put a lot of effort into escaping that feeling – especially around this time of year.

February is often celebrated as the month of love.  It’s emphasized all around us – in stores, restaurants, and movies – from chocolate covered strawberries to dozens of roses.  But reality is that many people, instead, know this as a time of the year when their loneliness is magnified and on display over and over again.

The day before Valentine’s Day has even been coined “Desperation Day,” as some people will do whatever it takes in order to avoid being alone on the infamous 14th.

Having those feelings of loneliness magnified during this time can make it tempting to buy into the ‘hookup culture’ or to simply try to forget and medicate those feelings by viewing porn.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to escape feelings of loneliness.  Truth is, we were never meant to be alone.  But when we attempt to fill the void of our loneliness with temporary, sexual satisfaction, we find time and time again that, instead of fixing the issue, it complicates it.

Today, be reminded that you’re not alone.  You’re never alone.  There is a God who has promised to “never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).

I find great comfort in that knowledge.  The fact of the matter is – God is with us whether we choose to acknowledge it or not.  Even in the depths of my loneliness, if I look for it, I can see His hand there waiting to pull me up and out.

No matter where you’re at right now or what you’re struggling with, God is with you.  That is without question.  And He’s not going anywhere. 

He created you for true community, true friendship, and true love – not the false, fleeting versions.

Don’t settle – instead, set your heart on the real thing, and He’ll be right there with you to help you along the way.