It has been estimated that approximately 60 million people in the United States, or 20% of the total population, feel lonely. Another study found that 12% of Americans have no one with whom to spend free time or to discuss important matters.

There are three basic causes for loneliness or the feeling of alienation:

• Separation From God
• Separation From Others
• Separation From Ourselves

How to Conquer the Loneliness that Leads to Emotional Eating

My own experience with moving from the West Coast to the East Coast included leaving friends and family members behind has been an area of my life that has been attacked by the Enemy to bring about the feeling of loneliness.

Phone calls, letters, and even being able to have visitors has all brought about comfort over the years. But now more recently being separated from my husband ~ who is currently residing in Afghanistan and is working in an obvious place of war and turmoil ~ has been a new deeper area of my life that I have to fight diligently to not allow the feeling of loneliness to consume my every thought.

I would find myself tempted to eat the "comfort" foods of the world...the "smoothered" and "covered" foods loaded with high carbohydrates and fats to bring about that feeling of content. Through my journey with Grace and Strength I have learned that food is fuel that can either help me achieve and sustain health or can either hinder-hold me back from optimum health.

I learned to prayerfully ask the Lord to guide me in HIS Word for strength and contentment. I learned to lay down my burdens before HIM and make a point to reveal to HIM what HE already knew were the areas of loneliness within me. Through His grace and strength, I have learned how to conquer the loneliness that leads to emotional eating.

Some scriptures that continue to help me fight those negative thoughts are:

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8

Sometimes God requires us to build character in ways we would not have chosen for ourselves. Coping with loneliness may be one of the ways God is allowing your character to be tested and strengthened.

Will we learn to be content with the blessings God has given us? Will we really believe God is with us and that we have not been left truly alone?

Remembering that God will never leave us can be much needed encouragement when we feel abandoned by others. And when we try to draw near to God, we can be assured that He will draw near to us.

Isaiah 41:10 states "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand".

So often being alone brings feelings of fear and anxiety. Sometimes we feel helpless. Once again, we see the great God offering us the promise of strength and help regardless of the physical situations in which we find ourselves.

What are some specific things you can do to cope with your loneliness?

Here is a practical list of things that you can do to combat the feelings of loneliness in your life. Doing these things will help you make progress along the road out of loneliness.

• Direct your thinking outward to others rather than thinking excessively about self.
• Determine that you can control your own attitudes and emotions. Ask God for His Spirit of love and joy (Galatians 5:22).
• Be friendly! Smile! Laugh! Positive actions and emotions are contagious and will encourage others to want to be around you (Proverbs 18:24).
• Go to church and church activities and fellowship with others. Consider their needs and try to encourage and uplift them (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 1:3).
• Participate in various activities. Be involved with others.
• Volunteer your service to others. There are various volunteer programs at hospitals, schools and libraries. Consider visiting a nursing home to cheer up the patients. You will soon have a different perspective about loneliness.
• Learn new things. Develop a new hobby. Expand your interests. Engage in conversations with others about current events and common interests.
• Use technology to be in touch. When used properly the Internet can be an amazing blessing for communication and interaction with others. E-mail, Facebook and Twitter can be fun!

With Love and Grace,
Coach Monica

View The Other Posts in the Emotional Eating Series

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* Individual results may vary.