Feeling lonely? Here's how to deal with your lonely soul

Do you ever wake up feeling lonely... like a big blanket drapped over your soul? Your brain tells you that you have family and friends. They love you. So why are you lonely?Your heart stares blankly at your brain and continues to wallow in feeling alone.I have those times. They don't make sense. But I warm up my faith muscles and deal with loneliness anyway. Faith always comes before understanding, right?

Here's how to deal with feeling lonely:

1. Name the feeling: loneliness2. Decide if the feeling makes sense. (Has anything I've experienced lately contributed to feeling lonely?)3. If loneliness is the right response to something you've experienced, acknowledge it.

Ask the Holy Spirit to come and comfort you. (Remember, that's part of His job description.)

Then move on. Get up and go about your day.

Live with the loneliness and the comfort swirling together until eventually the lonely is gone. That's part of what suffering with Jesus is all about, and it develops compassion in you for those who suffer alone.

4. If there is nothing to explain the loneliness, then say so.5. Kick your attitude in the butt by reminding your heart and your brain that the Lord has said He will never leave you or forsake you.

Tell the Lord that you'd like to feel His presence instead of lonely. Get up, get dressed, and eat something healthy for breakfast.

6. Make it your ambition to cheer people up all day long.

Say something positive to a neighbor, a cashier, a coworker, and the homeless person that sits and begs at the stoplight in your community.

God didn't make us to be lonely.He created us for companionship—with Him and others.So spend some time with Jesus as you work or enjoy something that brings you pleasure. (Think gardening, reading, cooking, jogging, a craft project, or walking your dog.)If you're short on friends at the moment, volunteer to work at a school, take an art class, invite new people from church over to your house for lunch, or join a small group Bible study.Moments of loneliness are part of being human, yet they are not to define our lives.Be the change that your morning needs.xox,Susan