The Loneliness Battle Plan

Can you be in a room filled with people and still feel lonely? The answer would be “yes”, but why exactly is that?  

According to a 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory report, loneliness has turned into an epidemic.  And how many of us are shocked by that announcement?  You would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t lost a friend or loved one to suicide, especially within the military community, but loneliness seems to cross all boundaries.  The U.S. Surgeon General’s report noted that “Approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness, with some of the highest rates among young adults.” 

Read that again.  Half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness.  

We’ve all heard the statistics.  In a society with more technology and communication abilities than we’ve ever known, we are still lonelier than ever.  And while the report is filled with examples of studies about why we are lonelier than ever, our focus today is on the solution.  

Social connection matters.  Family matters. 

In Psalms 68:6, the scripture says, “God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy”. 

“God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy”. 

It is easy to shrug off the need for family, especially considering some of our greatest challenges and dysfunctions come from within the family setting, but family is significant.  The most beautiful thing about this scripture is that God recognizes the lonely and finds a place for them, within families.  

The definition of family has changed from its onset within the English language, but the idea is still the same.  We need to recognize the importance of having our place inside a “family” or “group which is related by common characteristics”.  

Being socially connected can be hard, but remaining alone could quite literally kill you.  One of the findings within the U.S. Surgeon General’s report indicated that “Lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.”  Not only is loneliness bad for your mental health, it’s an indicator for premature death.  That’s both crazy and terrifying! 

So, how do we as individuals change this epidemic?  We find our Family.  Our Tribe.  Our Troop! Could it be that when the scripture says that “God sets the lonely in families”, that it might just mean that the very community you find yourself in, is the very “family” he has provided for your good?  It’s just a thought.  And really, the most important aspect of all of this is that we do our part.  God gives us a free will to choose our steps, with the promise that he will not leave us as we make the journey. Sometimes the choices aren’t easy, but when it comes to community it doesn’t have to be hard.  That’s where we come in.  

Warrior Wives is designed to help military wives find community. If you’re still looking for yours, check out our Warrior Wives Unite platform.  It’s a tool to help military wives find the “Troops” that best fit their needs.  And building those troops begins with you.  You are needed too.  We all need each other and that’s a beautiful thing!  When seasons change, so will social communities, but you never have to do life alone.  While you’re in the season of military life battles, let us be your “Family”, let us help you find your Troop! 

Regardless of where you find yourself in this topic of "Loneliness", we want you to know you're not alone. We're here for you, but more importantly we know the One who will never "leave you or forsake you" and we want to share the best resources we have with you. If you find yourself in a lonely place and don't know how to get out, consider reading these scriptures and declaring them over yourself. You just might find that your own words are enough to bring you out of the pit you've found yourself in, when they are the words of life and truth.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalms 25:16 ESV

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever— John 14:16 AMPC