Having been a single mom, I know exactly where you are. I know precisely what it feels like to struggle with moments of loneliness. It’s that unwanted and uninvited sense of quiet. It’s the overwhelming reminder that you’re coming home to an empty bed. If you’re desiring to be married, it’s the bombarding thought and question, “Lord, when will my kingdom husband find his good thing?” If you’re struggling with loneliness in this season, I get it.
Yet, I want to encourage you to fight for your peace of mind when loneliness strikes your life. Because the war really does start in the mind to disturb your peace. After your mental state is affected, the enemy then prompts you to look around to see the reality that you really are in fact, alone. And this is also where Satan tries to rob you of your sense of peace or hope (because just a moment or day ago, you probably were fine).
When the enemy reminds you that you are alone and without a mate raising your kid or kids all by yourself, there are ways to remind him that you are never alone. There are notices that you can serve Satan when he invades your mind with thoughts of utter seclusion. Here are 5 ways to quench loneliness:
#1 | Remember You Are Never Alone
When you feel overwhelmed with loneliness, speak these words, “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter.” (see Psalm 73:28) Fight back by remembering God’s word. He is near. He also promises in so many scriptures throughout the Bible that He will never leave us nor forsake us. In addition, the Holy Spirit dwells within us to lead, guide, strengthen, and comfort, while granting supernatural peace that surpasses all of our understanding when we need it most. So quench loneliness by remembering that you are never alone, dear sister.
#2 | CALL Someone
Quenching loneliness can sometimes just be a phone call away. Think about who you can call when you feel lonely. Who is that person that comes immediately to mind? Also keep in mind that it doesn’t always have to be a phone call. It can simply be a text or inbox message on social media. I have friends and family that I can call, text, or inbox if or when I ever feel alone. Phoning someone to spark up a good conversation for a little while can be healing, refreshing, and fulfilling. This is how you can quench loneliness.
#3 | GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
Here’s a quick remedy. Hire a sitter or drop your children off with a trusted relative or friend to get out of the house. So, go out with a friend or go out alone while being in the midst of others. People are literally everywhere. Just the noise in a restaurant or the laughter and chatter from your conversation can keep you preoccupied. Soon the feeling of loneliness will dissipate. Quench it by intentionally getting out of the house.
#4 | Watch a Movie with Your Kids
As long as you have your kiddos at home with you, trust me – you are never truly alone. In other words, if you’re suddenly feeling lonely, plan a movie night at home. Go to the store, purchase some microwavable butter popcorn, grab a soda, and rent or prepare to put on a good movie. This is all about quenching loneliness by making the evening about you guys. Sometimes I would call all of my children into my bedroom to hop in my bed with their blankets, popcorn, or dessert to relax and watch a good movie with me. They absolutely loved it! They’re older now, but I know if I’m ever feeling lonely, they’re just a holler or text message away!
#5 | Talk to God
He is always present. He is always willing and ready to listen to your heart. He is always up. He is always a friend. And He is a wonderful counselor if you ever need to talk or cry out to someone.
Loneliness is real. It can come in the mildest form or "hard and hurting" - depending on the circumstances. If you’ve just recently been separated or divorced, loneliness can feel the absolute worst! If you’ve just experienced a breakup in a dating relationship, it can feel quite challenging knowing that you no longer have someone to call to talk to each night. If you’ve lost your husband to an illness or tragedy, the overwhelming sense of grief mixed with the reality that he isn’t coming home can feel almost debilitating and lonesome.
But I’m here to encourage you with hope and truth that Jesus is near. He sees you. He knows you. He cares about you. And He loves you. So, allow Him to quench your loneliness through the ways in which He has allowed me to share with you in this moment, but also in ways that will far exceed your thoughts or imagination. The Lord is with you always, especially during times when you feel lonely.
THE LONELINESS SEASON
- TLSM PODCAST SERIES -
MEET THE AUTHOR
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out Media Group, LLC - a faith-based PR, Marketing & Mentorship Agency. In her 15 years of experience, she has worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, TCT, Yahoo, including local television and print publications.
Courtnaye is also the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in Christ, while equipping them for their calling. She is an author, contributing writer for iBelieve and YouVersion. Her speaking appearances include She Speaks, FlourishWriters, and Entrusted Women’s Conference. Her blog, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe!
WHO WE ARE
The Life of a Single Mom is a national, faith-based, nonprofit that exists to see that no single mom walks alone. To date, the organization has worked with hundreds of churches to start a single mom’s support group in cities throughout the U.S. and beyond, as well as having served hundreds of thousands of single mothers with a variety of programs. Offering a large array of books, curriculum, training materials, online instructional videos, podcasts, newsletters, life skills education, and more, TLSM is one of the largest single mom organizations in the U.S. The robust selection of single mom programs focus on empowering single moms to grow spiritually, emotionally, financially, and parentally through Single Mom University, Single Moms Across America, the National TLSM Single Moms Conference, boot camps, and a variety of other programs. For more information, visit thelifeofasinglemom.com.
