LONELINESS Genesis 2:18 I. Introduction. A. Monos: Alone; solitary.(monogamist) B. Loneliness involves being alone(solitary; standing apart from others). C. No person, even when a Christian, escapes being lonely. 1. May be only for a short time, or-- 2. Might be so overwhelming as to bring on emotional and/or physical problems. D. There are times when being alone is good; others not so good. E. The word of God does address this subject. II. Body. A. It is not the nature of man to be alone: Genesis 2:18. 1. Even though animals were all around him--even the presence of God. 2. But--something was missing! 3. Jehovah makes provision to meet the need. B. Loneliness may overwhelm when in different circum- stances of life. 1. Adam needed a human companionship. 2. Job, surrounded by friends, wanted to be alone: Job 10:20. 3. Elisha felt abandoned and alone: Romans 11:3. 4. One who is afflicted: Psalm 102:7. 5. When one has no one else, but consumes himself with worldly pursuits: Eccl. 4:8. C. There are times when it is good to be alone. 1. Opportunity to pray: Matthew 14:23. 2. Occasion to think/meditate: Lam. 3:28. D. There are times when being alone is not good. 1. When stumble and need help to recover: Eccl. 4:10. 2. When need cooperation: Eccl. 4:11. E. Occasions when forced to be alone. 1. Isolation: Lev. 13:46. F. Find, at times, that one must work alone. 1. Martha was, but did not like: Luke 10:40. 2. Even under former Covenant: Isaiah 63:3. G. Sometimes--must leave some alone. 1. Note: Hosea 4:17. 2. Jesus told disciples: Matthew 10:14. H. The disciple is never alone: John 16:32. III. Conclusion. A. Some things should never be alone: James 2:17. B. The disciple may be alone, but never feel lonely.-jy