Solitude vs Loneliness

Solitude versus loneliness, I have been wondering what the difference is, do you know? Loneliness has negative connotations. It seems sterile and lifeless, dark and empty. Solitude sounds much more positive, but what makes the real difference?

The word loneliness often indicates a lack of human company, and yet, some people say they feel alone in a crowd. It must be a state of mind then. Loneliness must be how one perceives the condition of their well being, of their satisfaction, of living in their own skin comfortably.

Solitude, may also indicate a lack of human companionship, but without the negative feelings such a condition may generate. Could so-called introverts thrive in solitude while extroverts are starved by it? What would it take for an extrovert like me to relish solitude and embrace it?

Is anyone ever really alone? Believers in God Almighty are never alone. It follows that awareness of the Presence of God must be cultivated and sought after so lonesomeness can be transformed into the more peaceful and comforting solitude. 

This all sounds like there is some choosing going on, doesn't it? What would be the best way to approach acquiring solitude and rejecting loneliness? I propose active searching after God, His character, His promises and His direction. There is only one place where one can find truth unaltered by cultural distortions and that is in the scripture, the Bible. That is where I am often and where I go in my quest. We have the promise that if we ask, seek and knock, we will receive an open door, an answer without any scolding or recrimination. So, I am going to continue to pursue solitude when I am not serving. How about you?       Doma