Feeling Lonely? Here’s Your Tough-Love Guide to Changing That
Loneliness is real, and it can be painful. But here’s the truth—no one is coming to rescue you from it. If you’re waiting for someone to show up at your door, call you first, or magically appear in your life to make you feel connected, you may be waiting forever. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be lonely. It means you have to take action. The good news? You can do something about it, starting today.
As mentioned, this is a tough-love sort of opinion. Please don’t take it the wrong way. I do realize we all have different challenges and by no means wish to imply any of the following will be easy. My intention here is to give you a nudge. Take these suggestions as strong encouragement to do all YOU can do in order to reach your goals.
1. Stop Wallowing, Start Moving
Feeling lonely? Acknowledge it, but don’t camp there. Loneliness won’t disappear just because you sit with it—it disappears when you do something. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” But how can anyone help if you never put yourself in a position to be found?
Go to church. If you already attend, stay after the service and talk to someone.
Join or start a Bible study. If there’s none around, create one in your home or online.
Find a senior group. Community centers, churches, and even libraries often have activities for older adults.
Take a class. Whether it’s a painting class, a book club, or a fitness group—learning something new also introduces you to new people.
2. Pick Up the Phone
If your kids or grandkids don’t call, guess what? You call them. You text them. You FaceTime them. Stop waiting and start initiating. Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” The key here? Be that friend. Relationships are a two-way street.
And if your family still doesn’t respond? Then expand your circle. Call an old friend. Reach out to a neighbor. Join an online community. Don’t let pride keep you from connection.
Amazon Echo Show (Smart Display)
The Echo Show is more than just a smart display—it’s a powerful tool for connection. Whether you’re joining a live-streamed church service, making video calls with family and friends, or accessing uplifting devotionals and Bible verses, this device can help bridge the gap when physical proximity isn’t possible. Besides all that, you can use it for setting reminders, alarms, reading recipes, getting news updates and on an on!
Key Features:
- High-quality video calling and display for live interactions
- Easy access to streaming services, news, and inspirational content
- Voice control via Alexa to set reminders for Bible study sessions or community events
Typical Pricing & Ratings:
- Prices vary depending on size and features. I’ll post options below. Clicking on the links will bring you to the Amazon description and current pricing.
- Consistently rated well over 4.3 stars with thousands of reviews
- Different options / sizes:
3. Visit Others
Nobody visits you? Then be the visitor.
Offer to take someone to lunch.
Visit a shut-in or someone in a nursing home.
Drop by an old friend’s house with coffee.
Volunteer—nothing erases loneliness like helping someone else.
Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you.” When you give your time, your presence, and your kindness, you’ll often receive the same in return.
4. Get Online (Yes, Really!)
If you can’t get around easily, the internet is a powerful tool. You can:
Join a Facebook group for people with similar interests.
Start a video chat group with friends.
Watch live-streamed church services and participate in the chat.
Write encouraging emails or letters to others who may be lonely too.
Ephesians 6:18 reminds us, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” You can use technology to build up others, and in doing so, you’ll find connection yourself.
5. Invite People Over
Don’t wait for an invitation—make one. Host a coffee morning, a simple lunch, or a game night. You don’t need a fancy meal or a big house. Just open your door and your heart.
Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Welcoming people into your home is a way of loving and serving them—and you might just make a lifelong friend.
6. Pray, Then Act
Prayer is powerful. But prayer without action keeps you stuck. James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” So pray for connection, then step out in faith and pursue it.
Final Thought: No More Excuses
Loneliness is hard, but staying lonely when you can do something about it? That’s a choice. Be courageous. Be proactive. Get out there. Change starts with you.
Need prayer? Drop a comment—I’ll be happy to pray for you. ❤️
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
This bestselling Christian classic offers spiritual guidance and a reminder of your unique purpose. It aligns the goals of proactive change and relying on faith as a source of strength. Reading this book can inspire you to take meaningful action in overcoming loneliness and building deeper, more purposeful connections with others.
I have read this book and found it to be quite impactful and memorable.
Key Features:
Provides clear, faith-based insights to help you find and embrace your God-given purpose
- Offers practical steps and reflections to encourage personal and spiritual growth
- A trusted resource that has transformed countless lives and fostered community among its readers
- Typical Pricing & Ratings:
- Prices vary depending on book format. I’ll post options below. Clicking on the links will bring you to the Amazon description and current pricing.
- Ratings are stellar,at well over 4.8 stars with thousands of reviews
- Options:
