Author: Jayden Lim

The Silent Killer 

Loneliness. It’s the silent killer.

Loneliness is what we feel when we are isolated from others. It often has less to do with others’ physical absence and more with feeling disconnected or alienated from them; it is far more than being alone. It’s the sense that no one cares, that we are in it alone. In our lives, we will face various moments of loneliness, which may arise as a cause of losing someone, a broken friendship, a job, or even moving to a new place where we don’t know anyone. All these circumstances can lead to feelings of isolation, bringing sadness to our spirit. These feelings are far more painful than just physical absences because we feel the isolation of being rejected. 

It is in these lonely moments where we are at our most vulnerable, and it is these moments where Satan will attempt to strip us away from a relationship with God. Like a mountain lion who selects its prey, Satan is waiting to pounce on the lonely and weak (1 Pet 5:8). He’s the silent killer. He takes advantage of our loneliness when we are isolated from God and tempts us into sin. When we are alone and don’t know whom to turn to, Satan attacks us and tricks us into turning back to the world to seek comfort from relationships, friendships and otherworldly things. Satan aims to make us blame God for our loneliness and to despise Him. Such lies will never lead us to comfort and peace. 

Health professionals will often try to assist us by recommending us to get out and do something. “Do something you love”, “Go for a walk and get some fresh air to clear your minds”. “Maybe even find a church, reach out to a friend, visit your pastor, or seek help from a counsellor”. 

But in our sorrows, loneliness and affliction, if you rely on and seek comfort and refuge from others, relationships and materialism, you will always be left empty-handed. All the “pleasure” and “comfort” we believe we are feeling are temporary. Because all things in this world are temporary, friendships will pass, relationships will end, and one day everything will perish. It is a never-ending treasure hunt with no treasure to be found. 

So what do we do, and who do we turn to?

The Most Lonely Moment in History

When people describe Jesus, they often mention how he was loved by His people, galvanizing in the eyes of man as King of all Kings, the sacrificial lamb, the ultimate sacrifice, a figure with such power and authority. But have you ever thought of Jesus as a lonely man? In fact, Jesus may have been the loneliest human in history.

The book of Isaiah demonstrates this clearly when he prophetically described Jesus, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3). Meaning that throughout the entirety of Jesus’ life, he had to endure constant hate and loneliness. Revealing to us that Jesus is the only person that is able to sympathize with our loneliness far more than we might have previously thought.

But that was all a precursor. There was one momentous moment of loneliness, so dark and deep that only Jesus has ever experienced it. It occurred on the cross the moment he became sin for us,

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  (2 Corinthians 5:21).

In that unfathomably horrible, incomprehensibly lonely moment, Jesus felt forsaken by his Father and all those that he loved. In this supreme moment, Jesus was broken physically and spiritually, and was thus described by Isaiah as “beyond human semblance” (Isaiah 52:14). Having spent his earthly life estranged by his sinlessness, Jesus was now estranged by the sin he willingly bore for us.

No one has experienced or understands the depths of loneliness like Jesus.

Seeking Solace in the Lord

The thing is, we were not made to be by ourselves. God made us for relationships. The one relationship that will never fail us is our relationship with God. He is the one we should seek in our loneliness. In the Old Testament book of Psalms, we find some of the greatest words of hope when we go through times of loneliness. 

Psalm 34:18 tells us that “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

In Psalm 25:16-17, the writer gives us a prayer to God in a time of loneliness: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16

As we read the Scriptures, we find the greatest truth of all, that is, God is with us always, even in our loneliness. We are never truly alone, because God is with us, in our hearts and in our minds, speaking to us through Scripture and prayer.

In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus also mentions, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

The Scriptures specifically reminds us that in our sorrows and loneliness, the only answer we seek is only found in Jesus, the only person who could possibly understand our loneliness. We are reminded to seek Him and turn to Him. Thus we must “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), and then, we will finally find peace and comfort. A treasure only found in Christ. 

Carpe diem. A common Latin phrase, encouraging people to live within each moment as if there is no tomorrow, to “seize the day.” This expression could be interpreted by most to live freely and without consequence, to adopt a carefree attitude without much thought for the future. But what does it mean for us Christians? Ephesians 5:15-16 inspires us to make haste and be cautious of the decisions we make, “be careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Our duty as Christians is to squeeze every last drop of potential out of the opportunities that God has gifted to us. As young teens and students, we do this by making the most of our studies and extracurricular activities. By taking advantage of every pathway available to us, we set an example to our peers on how to truly “seize the day”  and, most importantly, how to honor His plan for our lives. 

How Do We Seize The Day?

What should we do as youths to play our part? God has granted each and every one of us unique talents, asking nothing in return other than for us to honor Him by developing these gifts. Whether your skills flourish within your academic studies, the sporting field, or creative arts, it is our obligation as His children to nurture and expand them. 1 Peter 4:10 clearly instructs Christians on how to serve God with our talents, “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” While Peter was specifically referring to spiritual gifts given to each follower of Christ, such as prophecy and healing, we can still apply it to the blessings that He has given us. Just as we receive gifts on our birthday or Christmas, we show our appreciation to the giver by cherishing and caring for it. Should we not show our gratitude to God for the talents He has gifted us by using it to the best of our abilities? 

When Is The Right Time? 

Don’t wait for the right time because it will never come. The time will never be right. Start where you are now with the tools and gifts available to you, “seize the day.”

Take these few examples. If you are talented in teaching and interacting with students, you might try to teach Sunday School classes in church. Maybe you enjoy music or play an instrument. Why not consider using this gift to play in the church service or help someone else get better at their instrument. Are you an extrovert? Try inviting your friends and new people to church or your local youth.

Sometimes using your talents for God might not look the same everyday. Some days you may see specifically how God is working in you and helping to shape you through your talents. Other days it may seem as if all options are not working or that you are not making an impact. But know that even though you don’t see progress, it is still important to let yourself be used by God because you may never know if you are having an impact on another individual’s life.

All Glory to Him

But wait! Don’t be trapped and carried away when doing your tasks; remember that the ultimate goal is to serve God’s will and purpose. When we use our gifts, we should not aim to glorify ourselves and take all the credit but instead the opposite. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16, NIV. Remember that time cannot be returned or retrieved; we are all given an equal amount of time each day, and all have been given equal opportunities. It’s just how we use it which determines its value. When the time comes to serve Christ, it should uphold the most value above everything else. 

So will you choose to seize the day, these moments, these opportunities, or be content to let them slip away?

All in all, your talents and gifts are more than ‘hobbies’ or ‘activities that you are good at’; these gifts are all blessings given to us and have a purpose, which is to be used for the glory of God. As Teens, we must use such gifts to advance the kingdom of God, while also helping others and improving the world around us.