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Combatting Loneliness

2 Timothy 4:1-22

Even Christians struggle with loneliness. In the conclusion of his final letter, it is an aged, imprisoned, ill, and lonely apostle who is writing. But he fought the loneliness in very specific ways. Paul:

• kept his mind active by studying the Word ("Bring . . . the books, especially the parchments"—v. 13)
• experienced the Lord's presence ("The Lord stood with me and strengthened me"—v. 17)
• remembered his purpose ("so that the message might be preached fully through me"—v. 17)
• stayed in touch with friends as best he could ("Greet Prisca and Aquila"—v. 19)
• prayed for his ministry partners ("The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen"—v. 22).

If Paul could do these things in dark hours, so can we.

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