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"No Form of Loneliness is Too Overwhelming"

Sunday, October 26 Loneliness is more than wanting companionship; it is the feeling of being disconnected, cut-off, aliented from people, bringing with it the feeling of emptiness and isolation. Often, loneliness comes from feeling different or rejected.  Someone can be surrounded by people, and still be lonely.  Surveys suggest that from 20-30% of Americans are lonely.  If we locally are a microcosm of America, that means from 1200-1800 people in Phillips County are lonely; from 300-400 people in Phillipsburg are lonely; and from 20-30 people gathered in this room are lonely. There are three types of loneliness:  situational (lonely because of something that has happened, such as a move, the loss of a loved one, etc.); developmental (often adolescents are still trying to balance their need between the need to be alone and the need for companionship); and internal (brought on by feelings of self-esteem & vulnerability) I.  God understands your loneliness A.  Jesus himself was despised and rejected -- Isaiah 53:3 B.  Jesus was separated from His Father -- Matthew 27:46 C.  Jesus sympathizes with your problems -- Hebrews 2:17 II.  God will be your companion A.  He wants to be your Friend -- John 15:14,15.  YOU are why He came in the first place!  And when He left, He sent His Holy Spirit to come and be with us. B.  He is committed to this relationship -- Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 4:8,9 C.  There is nowhere you can go that He can't find you -- Psalm 139 D.  When you're at your lowest, put your hope in God -- Psalm 42:5-11 III.  God chooses to use His people, the body of Christ, to help fill this void A.  We've looked this month at the Great Commission, what about the Great Commandment? -- John 15:17; 13:34 B.  Let's look at your place in the body -- every part has a different function, and is very important C.  The importance of fellowship can't be overstated D.  The focus of the church -- working together to accomplish His purposes IV.  Your prayer request:  that God will bring the people into your life that He wants you to be close to