Loneliness

Loneliness

MY QUESTION for GOD

Now that I’ve made it to the top, why does it feel so lonely?

A MOMENT with GOD

Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.

Psalm 25:16

I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy!

Numbers 11:14

I am the only one left.

1 Kings 19:14

Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?

Matthew 26:40

It can be lonely at the top partially because the leader is often the only one who understands the all the struggles of the organization, the cares of the people, and the demands of the big picture. The leader feels ultimately responsible for the future of the group and the success of the project. Leaders may also feel lonely because they’re not sure who they can trust. The people you depend on sometimes desert you, abandon you, or turn away from you. Often there may be only a few people you can truly count on, and sometimes there may not be any. Another part of the loneliness of being a leader comes from the hesitation to get too close to those you lead. You may believe that friendships could inhibit your ability to lead. The reverse is also true. The people you lead may not want to get too close to you because of your position of authority over them. Leadership can often be all-consuming, and that is another cause of the loneliness. To deal with the loneliness at the top, it is essential for you to have a life outside of your work, where you can develop friendships and a support network. Be vulnerable with those you lead. Most people assume that the leader has it all together, but the reality is that you, too, are a person seeking to be faithful to God in a fallen world. Sharing your weaknesses and struggles will usually rally your people to come alongside you and help you accomplish what you can’t do on your own. If you see vulnerability as a negative thing, you will likely have trouble relating to others. But if you view it as a way to develop deeper and healthier relationships, you will decrease your loneliness.

DIVINE PROMISE

EVEN WHEN I WALK THROUGH THE DARKEST VALLEY . . . YOU ARE CLOSE BESIDE ME.

Psalm 23:4