One of the great problems in modern society is loneliness. Many are unhappy and suffering because they do not have the right kind of company, and for this reason they feel lonely.  We do not need hundreds of friends; even one good friend is already enough to satisfy our need for company.

Casual friends we may have in our workplace, school, or in our neighborhood, but they do not satisfy our soul hunger for true friendship. God created families for this purpose. He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18. Often when people are alone in the house they put on the radio or television so that they do not feel the quietness of being alone.

Sometimes people who do not have even one good friend may even commit suicide, because life is not happy for them in being alone. Church organizations were also created for this reason, that those who are like-minded may meet with one another and talk to each other. When we join the church and become children of God we often lose worldly friends, but we find better and more faithful friends in the church.

Many have joined the church just because they found a friend whom they like, who also goes to church. When the faithful children of God speak to one another, God will listen to their conversation and a book of remembrance is being written of all that they said to each other. “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORd, and that thought upon His name.” Malachi 3:16

They did not speak seldom to each other but often. And this, speaking often to one another proves the friendship that is between them. When you are involved in missionary work the first thing you need to do is to create friendships with the interested souls. Be interested in the work that they do, also with their children, and with their hobbies.  Also offer advice and help to them in their difficulties and problems, and hopefully this friendship will last through eternity. Then introduce to them the best possible friend, which is Jesus. He will gladly accept them into His friendship. He said, “Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:14–15

Now that Jesus went to heaven to His Father, His disciples felt lonely. But He comforted His disciples saying, “But now I go My way to Him that sent me; and none of you asketh Me, Whither goest Thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.” John 16:5–7

Jesus said, “it is expedient for you that I go away.” Sister White writes, “Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ was to abide continually in the hearts of His children. Their union with Him was closer than when He was personally with them. The light, and love, and power of the indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding ‘marveled; And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.’ Acts 4:13.” –Steps to Christ, p. 75

Jesus also said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

Enoch walked with God 300 years. He had a close relationship with God through the Holy Spirit.  We also can behold Christ daily through the Holy Spirit. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

Sister White writes, “Many are suffering from maladies of the soul far more than from diseases of the body, and they will find no relief until they shall come to Christ, the wellspring of life. Complaints of weariness, loneliness, and dissatisfaction will then cease. Satisfying joyous will give vigor to the mind and health and vital energy to the body.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 579

When we come to Christ also our loneliness will disappear. If we have lost our life partner for some reason, then Christ will take the place of our partner and will satisfy us fully.

David wrote, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. . . . My cup runneth over.” Psalm 23: 1, 5

I receive more than I expected. When Jesus left the disciples and went back to heaven, instead of being sad they were filled with great joy. “And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up to heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” Luke 24:50­­–52

“Jesus invites you to make Him your strength, your support. He will be to you a present help in every time of need.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol.  2, p.  48

“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20

But what must we do in order to keep Jesus as our dearest personal friend, and never feel lonely anymore? “Draw near to God, and come into closer union with His people. Let your interest and your affections center in Christ and His followers. Love those best who love Christ most. Sever the links which have bound you to those who love not God and the truth. What communion hath light with darkness? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 48

Do not look to Jesus as a Welfare department, to call on Him only when you need help, but consider Him as a friend. He gave His life for you to prove His love to you. If you do this you will be truly happy and never complain any more, and never feel lonely any more, and perfect peace will fill your heart. Your only desire will be how to please Him more, and your conversation will be mostly of Him, and you pray to Him all day long, and you walk with Him as Enoch did. Be careful that you will not lose Him as a friend and be alone again and fall into loneliness. Amen.

Timo Martin