Introverts Unite

This week we’ve been talking about loneliness. We've discussed the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, ideas for getting rid of the feelings of loneliness, and how even the greatest leaders in the Bible experienced loneliness. You may be thinking, “Well, this is great, but I’m a bit of an introvert, I like to be alone. But why do I feel this lonely feeling sometimes? How can I be wired to want to be alone but also have this strange feeling inside?” Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest of American poets, attended seminary for a while, and then she went back home to Amherst. For the rest of her life, she lived mostly in seclusion. It’s kind of weird, right? Maybe not. You see, God made each of us with a distinct personality. Sometimes it’s actually unhealthy to try and fit a square peg into a round hole. It hurts. We get more stressed out. Emily Dickinson lived a full life. Her relationships were in correspondence, a whole lot of letters. And guess what? She wasn’t unhappy. If your aloneness has gotten under your skin, don’t stress about it. If you’re fulfilled with limited relationships, that’s okay. Figure out what works for you. And remember what the Bible says in Proverbs 18:24, “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” Let’s pray. Lord, You made us to have relationships with You first. So if we’re not the outgoing type, help us rest in that. Help us enjoy the life we have and be fulfilled by having right relationship with You as our priority. Thank You for never leaving us and for giving us the very best companionship. In Jesus’ name, amen.