Daily Devotional For Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Good morning Southside! When God created this world, he created all human and animal life to be relational. We have a phrase we use – “lone wolf.” In some circles this expresses someone who is independent, self-reliant and one who seeks solitude. In some cases we use this term to refer to someone who prefers to work alone or be alone. Wolves hunt in packs for good reason. Those who study wolves have learned that when wolves travel, at the front are the oldest and weakest wolves. They have two functions – to set the pace and to be sacrificed if necessary. In the middle are the beta wolves who jump to protect the older wolves in front and to protect the young. At the rear and several paces back is the alpha wolf. He controls all the other wolves, the action they take and which wolf does what.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. (10) For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up” (NASB). Meaning – two are better than one. In this case, being a lone wolf can make you vulnerable and even cost you your life. When God created this universe and the Garden of Eden, He said this in Genesis 2:18, “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him’” (NASB). God says it is not good for us to be alone.
Research shows this truth about loneliness in America: In the United States, recent studies indicate that around 22% of adults often or always feel lonely or socially isolated. This means that over one-fifth of the U.S. population experiences loneliness to some degree. That is a lot of adults who feel lonely. Consider these stats below:
- 40% of teens say they experience loneliness often and very often.
- Generation Z (ages 18-22) is the loneliest generation, with 79% reporting feelings of loneliness according to a study by Cigna.
- Millennials (ages 23-37) also report high levels of loneliness, with 71% saying they feel lonely at times in a survey by YouGov.
- Adults aged 45 and older are more likely to report feeling lonely than younger adults, with a study by the AARP Foundation finding that 34% of this age group reported feeling lonely.
- Older adults aged 65 and over are particularly vulnerable to chronic loneliness due to factors such as retirement, loss of social connections, and mobility limitations (Source: Loneliness).
Assignment: For a nation that is always online, it is amazing how lonely people are today. Reach out today to someone you know who needs some encouragement. Maybe this person is someone at work or school or even at church and he/she seems to be a loner. Send them a text or call them on the phone (to make it more personal). Treat them to a cup of coffee.
Scripture To Meditate On: Proverbs 27:8, “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul” (PAR).
Prayer To Pray: “Dear Lord, give me someone today that I can make a difference in his/her life as an encouragement. Open my eyes and heart to see this person and to reach out to with love. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
I love you Southside! – Pastor Kelly