According to the latest figures available, August 2024, CDC. 1 in 3 adults living in the United States of America, report feeling lonely. About 1 in 4 U.S. adults report not having social and emotional support. You might ask, how can that be in a country of over 300 million people?

This is the problem. It is not simply being around and with people. There has to be a connection. A relationship if you will. Even a person with a lot of friends can feel lonely. Social isolation is not having relationships, contact with, or support from others.

Loneliness is feeling alone or disconnected from others. It is feeling like you do not have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging. It reflects the difference between a person’s actual and desired level of connection.

Loneliness and social isolation may be shaped by conditions in the environments where people are born, live, work, learn, worship, and play. These conditions can affect the ability to connect socially.

Certain conditions or experiences may increase a person’s risk of social isolation and loneliness. These include: Having a mental or physical challenge, chronic disease or condition.

Psychiatric or depressive condition, long-term disability, being marginalized or discriminated against.

Having limited or no access to resources, such as: living in rural areas, limited transportation.

However, when all else fails, scripture gives us hope. But only if we embrace it.

Genesis 2:18: God declares that it is not good for man/woman to be alone, emphasizing the importance of companionship.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: Two are better than one; they can help each other and support one another in times of trouble.

Psalm 68:6: God sets the lonely in families, highlighting His desire for community and connection.

Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him, offering comfort and companionship.

Hebrews 10:24-25: Believers are encouraged to meet together and encourage one another, reinforcing the value of fellowship.

Just remember, if you want friends, you have to be friendly, which means you have to work at it. You might even be rejected. sometimes. However, don’t give up.