A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Kirsten Birkett
About the Author
Lou Priolo is a graduate of Calvary Bible College and Liberty University, as well as holding a Doctorate of Divinity from Calvary University. He has been a full-time biblical counselor since 1985.
Contents
It’s an epidemic!
You are in good company
What is loneliness?
Rethinking loneliness
What factors contribute to or cause loneliness?
What are the cures for loneliness?
Appendix A: Reconstructed Thought Worksheet
Appendix B: Loneliness journal
General Summary
A discussion of loneliness, its causes, and cure, to be used by individuals or counselors/pastors helping others, including diagnostic checklists and worksheets.
Summary
In the past the author’s shepherding ministry was largely to married couples, but since the pandemic, it has been dominated by the problem of loneliness.
It’s an epidemic!
Loneliness is now a worldwide epidemic; it is painful and can be deadly. But it can be remedied. A “loneliness inventory” (provided) can identify its elements.
You are in good company
Scriptural examples of lonely people: Naomi, Jeremiah, Elijah, David, Paul. God’s grace is sufficient to help with all the aspects of loneliness (source, symptoms, seductions, sting).
What is loneliness?
A compound emotion that varies between people; it may include not just sadness but also shame, grief, anger, feelings of inferiority, rejection, jealousy, and envy. For a Christia,n it may show a defective relationship with God (or not knowing God at all). Without Christ, we are alienated from God (Ephesians 2:12) but for those in Christ, he indwells us. The Spirit, a person, is always with us, and “you can enjoy continuous fellowship with him if you want to” – assurance, a sense of closeness to Go,d and contentment that “should blunt the edge of loneliness.”
Rethinking loneliness
You may have to repent of loneliness; rethink how you interpret it. “In order to change your feelings, you have to change your thoughts as well as your actions.” Loneliness is a state of mind before it is a feeling. The emotion of loneliness may serve a good purpose, telling us it is time to draw closer to God. Jesus knew he would be forsaken by his disciples but knew God’s presence was adequate, so did not see it as loneliness. . . .
[To continue reading this summary, please see below....]The remainder of this article is premium content. Become a member to continue reading.
Already have an account? Sign In