"Someone write me a letter, I need to know I’m still alive. Someone give me a telephone call, I need to hear a human sound. Someone open up the door and let me out of this place. I’ve been alone so long, I don’t know if I’m living or dying". These lyrics pounce from a song of the 80’s depicting loneliness. They are a raw expression of a dreaded state of mind. Read these lyrics again before you continue.

In more than thirty five years active in men’s ministry as a leader and follower, I have been reminded of the greatest challenge faced by men. You might be surprised that the number one challenge is loneliness. I would have thought many other issues would have topped that but I was wrong. Loneliness is a dark place. Loneliness has nothing to do with being alone. You can be lonely in a room full of people. I mentioned men but loneliness is not gender specific. Women fight this battle as well.

God has invited each of us to turn to Him when we are lonely and afflicted. He is the light in our darkness. He has donated the life blood that courses through our veins. He has opened that door of escape from the captivity of loneliness. Hebrews 13:5 provides comfort to the lonely saying: "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you". It’s important to trust in Jesus and believe that He will provide a safe haven from the storms of loneliness.

It’s also important to be intentional about cultivating relationships with others to provide a defense against loneliness. Those of my vintage can certainly appreciate the friendships they have cultivated over years of living in this world of challenges. Those relationships now are paying dividends. Defeating loneliness is not a spectator sport. It requires engagement and effort. If you are lonely, try being a friend to someone. You may gain one in the process.