Lonely In a Crowded World

Sermon Notes for 4 January 2026

In 2024, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory declaring loneliness a public health epidemic. He wasn't exaggerating. The data shows social isolation is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and raises the risk of premature death by nearly 30%....

I've been a practicing psychiatrist for more than 50 years. This holiday season, my phone won't stop ringing. Patients are desperate for appointments — not because of clinical depression or anxiety disorders, but because they're profoundly alone.

By Arnold Gilberg - Fox News
Published December 28, 2025 8:00am EST

Loneliness has been shown to:

• Increase the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Weaken the immune system
• Raise anxiety, depression, and premature death

Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) And the LORD God said, ‘"It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."

Today I would like to speak on the subject of isolation...Isolation is not just emotional—it’s spiritual warfare.

I. Isolation Contradicts God’s Design

Genesis 2:18a (NKJV) And the LORD God said, ‘"It is not good that man should be alone...

II. Isolation Weakens Us Spiritually

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NKJV) “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls.”

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

III. Isolation Distorts Our Thinking

Proverbs 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”

“Isolates Himself”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself...
Hebrew word: פָּרַד (pārad) — to separate, divide, break away

"Seeks His Own Desire”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire...
Hebrew: תַּאֲוָה (ta’avah) — craving, appetite, lust, self-will

“He Rages”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
Hebrew: גָּלַע (gālaʿ) or similar root — to break out, show hostility

“Against All Wise Judgment”
Prov 18:1 (NKJV) “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.”
Hebrew: תּוּשִׁיָּה (tûshiyyāh) — sound wisdom, good sense, godly counsel

Isolation is not being neutral. According to Prov 18:1, it reveals a heart that prefers self-rule over godly wisdom.

IV. God Uses Community to Bring Healing

James 5:16 (NKJV) “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”

V. Jesus Himself Valued Companionship
Mark 6:31 (NKJV) “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

Takeaway:
Loneliness is not just an emotional struggle—it’s a spiritual and physical warning sign.

You don’t have to be surrounded by crowds—but you were never meant to walk alone.

Take one intentional step this week—reach out, reconnect, or invite someone into your life.

Healing often begins with a simple decision: I will not isolate anymore.

“Lord Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me new life. Today, I turn from my old ways and invite You into my heart. Be my Lord, be my Savior, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Right now, I trust you as my Savior and will follow you as my Lord. Thank You for loving me. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer and meant it in your heart, you can be sure that you are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NLT) “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

John 10:28 (NLT)“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”