Loneliness is a deep and unsettling pain in the human heart. Though it is rarely acknowledged, it is an agony felt by everyone on the planet at one point or another. Though our world would seem more connected than ever through things like social media, it is even more possible today to feel disconnected and unseen. Yet, for those of us who are members of the body of Christ, we find hope and true belonging in God’s promises. The Bible assures us that even in the despair of loneliness, we are never truly alone. The most encouraging truth of Scripture in this regard is the fact that the Lord is always with us.
Consider David’s words in Psalm 139:7-10:
“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast” (NIV).
If you feel abandoned and rejected, remember that the Lord’s presence constantly surrounds you. He walks beside you in the deepest pain – the most bitter loneliness – ready to embrace you and give you peace.
And the Lord is not aloof to the feeling of loneliness. Jesus Himself suffered inexpressible loneliness. Recall the Garden of Gethsemane. As He anticipated the cross, He prayed in great anguish, even sweating drops of blood in the process (see Luke 22:44), but His closest friends fell asleep! Then shortly thereafter they all fled when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. Less than a day later, as our beloved Lord hung on the cross, He cried out:
“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 NIV).
Christ understands with perfect clarity the unsearchable chasms of human loneliness because He suffered it Himself. And yet His story did not end there. Through His resurrection, He proved that even in the darkest moments, God’s purpose prevails. When you feel forsaken, know that Jesus understands and stands ready to bear your burdens. You need only cry out to Him! As the prophet Isaiah declared:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).
Loneliness often has the side effect of causing us to doubt our value and purpose on this planet. However, the Bible gives no room for such an assessment. God’s Word reminds us that we are chosen, loved, and designed for His divine purposes. Trust that your current season of loneliness is part of a greater plan to draw you closer to Christ and to prepare you for what lies ahead. Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family and connected to a spiritual body of believers. Galatians 6:2 exhorts us to:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (NIV).
If you feel lonely, reach out to your brothers and sisters in faith. Share your struggles, seek prayer, and serve others. Often, in serving someone else, we find healing for our own hearts. Never forget that the Church is a family that must be constantly about reflecting the love of Christ.
If you are in Christ, loneliness will not – dare I say it cannot – be the end of your story. It is only a chance to grow in your intimacy with the Savior. He is the God who sees you, the God who knows you, and the gracious Lord who loves you with an eternal love that cannot ever be broken or lost. Trust this promise, for He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). In Him, you are never truly alone.
A Prayer for the Lonely
If you find yourself in the grip of loneliness, I encourage you to reach out to the Lord in prayer. Below is a suggested prayer, but whatever you pray, do so from the honesty of your heart and with faith that He will hear you.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your constant presence in my life. When I feel alone, remind me of Your promise to never leave or forsake me. Help me to trust in Your plans and find joy in Your Word. Surround me with community and give me the courage to reach out when I need support. Teach me to rely on Your strength and fill my heart with the peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
References
Scripture taken from the New International Version® (NIV®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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