“Hindi ko kayo iiwang nangungulila; babalik ako sa inyo.”

Juan 14:18

In a 2022 report by statista.com, “about thirty-three percent of adults experienced feelings of loneliness worldwide.” Countries like the United Kingdom and Japan already appointed their own Ministers of Loneliness in 2018 and 2021, respectively, to help battle loneliness.

Alam mo bang kahit ikaw ay napapaligiran ng family and friends ay puwede ka pa ring makaramdam ng kalungkutan? There are people who may feel the lack of authenticity in their relationships — think of your thousands of “friends” on Facebook! Or perhaps you feel rejection from people you really know, so you protect yourself by staying away. Of course, some people also experience actual loss of loved ones, such as in cases of death or separation. If this lack or loss of companionship continues to affect more people of all ages, all countries will need ministers of loneliness very soon!

Did you know that Jesus Himself experienced loneliness? When He was arrested, “all his disciples deserted him and ran away” (Mark 14:50, NLT). Peter, who followed Him at a distance and sat with the guards at the high priest’s courtyard, said this: “A curse on me if I’m lying — I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” (v. 71). A servant girl had recognized him as one of Jesus’s companions.

Look around you today. Can you be a minister for loneliness and help create a connection with those living alone, as well as those who feel they do not have anyone to turn to? Or do you need a minister yourself? Will you open yourself up and create an interaction instead?

Jesus understands loneliness and He will minister to us during these moments. He promised this to us: “No, I will not abandon you as orphans — I will come to you” (John 14:18, NLT). Yes, “a father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy” (Psalm 68:5).