I was twenty-two years old, I had just graduated from college, and I was living in a major city. My parents lived 650 miles away. My boyfriend, to whom I was committed, was pulling away from me emotionally. I was lonely. To whom could I turn? On whom could I depend? Many people struggle with loneliness -- that hollow, abandoned feeling that aches for someone to be there. Someone in which to confide and be loved. I learned some important lessons I'd like to pass along.

Look to the Past - in Deuteronomy, Moses is giving a final charge to the Israelites before he dies. Repeatedly he tells them to remember -- to remember God's faithfulness in the past. We need to do this too when we are lonely. Remember the times that God has given you fullness in your life and be thankful for those times.

Look to the Future - When I have been lonely, it has been hard to imagine that I would ever get past it. God has given us many promises for the future. Psalms 68:6a(NIV) tells us, "God sets the lonely in families." Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

Look to the Lord - God is the only one who can really fill that emptiness. He is a faithful friend you will never lose. Turn to Him, ask Him to be your Savior and Friend. he is ready and willing. "Come near to God and he will come near to you" (1 Peter 5:7, NIV). How wonderful that God loves you and cares for you. "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8, NIV).

God has satisfied my loneliness and will do so again and again. He can do the same for you.