Through the Wilderness of Loneliness

by Tim Hansel

Book by Hansel, Tim

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Spirituality

Paperback

First published March 1, 1991

Reviews

[Cjdraeger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book numerous times over the years and everytime I read it it ministers to my lonely heart! I love every book Tim Hansel has written. He speaks from his own personal experiences and shares what God has taught him.

[Ulrike Grace Shumborski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on meditation and its value when learning to deal with pain of loneliness

[Jonah Pavlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, while I read this a little later than the other... reflective books at L'Abri, it's still a little bit in the same theme, so I'm going to review this one next. I felt pretty good about what I had already read, and I was beginning to understand myself and others more. And as I've said, while this tore down lies I built around myself and others, it did reveal more than just my need for God. It showed that not all of my loneliness was self-centered, but that I do really desire a meaningful connection with people who I can share thoughts with. Or just be present with! But I can't find it anywhere. I know it sounds stupid, but I guess you could say I'm in a sort of Ryan Gosling phase. It's dumb, I know, but I can't help it if I relate to a lot of his roles. Anyway, that was a weird tangent. This desire for meaningful connection is part of what was nice about L'Abri; while I still felt lonely there, I could talk to people about things I couldn't elsewhere, and there were great and meaningful conversations every day. Back in the States, I'm lucky if I get a meaningful spontaneous conversation once a month! It is absolutely TRAGIC!

I hate small talk. There's a reason it's called small talk. I want to talk about what matters! And yet it is something that gets brushed aside in this hamster wheel of life. This book talks goes into how loneliness is a natural human feeling because we were built to be relational creatures. Even a mega-introvert like me likes to be around people every now and again. Hansel goes on to make a comparison between loneliness and the wilderness. It seems like nothing is happening, and it is a lonely and (apparently) God forsaken place. However, it really isn't, and God speaking into loneliness is a big point for Hansel. Just like Israel in the wilderness, God is there to bring life, and we can use our loneliness to drive a desire to spend time with the Lord. Just as one can learn the skills to survive in the wilderness and can even grow to love and crave it, so loneliness can be the same when it is shared with the Lord. While Hansel does emphasize human relationship as well, I think his most important answer is the Sunday school answer: Jesus. While it's still painful, don't get me wrong, loneliness at least in its natural state is not an evil thing, although it can quickly turn into depression or isolation if one isn't careful.

Overall, a good book, and another one down from L'Abri!

[Megan Modes · Rating 5 out of 5]

very powerful book in helping you overcome loneliness and practical ways of how to find god in the midst of it!

[Debbie Rogoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read