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Have you ever wondered what is said about loneliness in the Bible?
Are you ever overcome with a sense of loneliness, yearning to be connected to someone? That’s how I’ve felt at times. As Christians, we understand that these feelings are natural but we also recognize that no one is ever truly alone – we are always connected to God and His community. Reach out and feel the warmth and comfort that comes with being part of a loving family.
We often confuse being alone with being lonely. While it’s true that you can experience loneliness even in a crowded room, it’s actually an emotion created by the lack of meaningful connections to other people.
The sensation of isolation can be incredibly crippling, and those who suffer from it often feel deeply separated from those around them. For Christians, Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of solace and comfort, providing the closest thing to human companionship that’s possible in a solitary state. He gives us the strength we need to cope with loneliness and to feel connected to the greater community of believers truly.
Loneliness in the Bible
The Hebrew translation for “desolate” or “lonely” in the Old Testament is “one alone, only; one who is solitary, forsaken, wretched.” This expresses a deep sadness that no one cares, that none of us are truly alone.
Who would celebrate our joys or mourn our losses if no one cared? Who would even notice should we cease to exist? Christians are called to be a community of believers, a family united by love. Let us open our arms in welcome and embrace the lonely who seek companionship, solace, and hope.
Loneliness is a feeling of being disconnected, hollow, disconnected, or even a sense of alienation. Many Christians have experienced this emotion, whether it’s being in a crowded room feeling alone or removing themselves from social activities and finding themselves feeling isolated. Whatever form it takes, loneliness can be a difficult emotion to navigate.
No matter if you’re surrounded by others or in solitude, loneliness can strike when you don’t feel a connection with others. Loneliness is a sign that something is amiss in your relationships and can be a major source of stress and depression. Fortunately, there are various proven strategies you can use, as a Christian, to combat loneliness. Whether it’s through prayer, Bible study, or being part of a church community, God can lighten the weight of loneliness and ease the pain of isolation.
God is a relational being—that’s part of His nature. It’s why He exists as the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It’s why, in Genesis 2:18, He determined that it’s “not good for the man [Adam] to be alone.” As Christians, we can take refuge in the reality that relationship, community, and fellowship are part of our Creator’s makeup.
God’s solution to Adam’s loneliness was simple yet profound: He created a companion for him. As it says in Genesis 2:18b, God declared, “I’ll make him a helper, a companion,” and so he did. Eve was brought to Adam, and together they formed the perfect union, “becoming one flesh” (Genesis 2:24b). Humans were designed for community with both God and each other. That is why loneliness can be so emotionally devastating. When we are not connected to others, we are not living up to our true purpose.
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Loneliness is a feeling that plagues many of us, and the Bible is a source of solace and comfort in those times. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible offers numerous accounts of people who have experienced loneliness and found hope in God. From Jacob longing for his son Joseph, to Ruth grieving the death of her husband, to King David mourning the death of his son Absalom—all of these stories show us that loneliness is not an abnormality. It is part of the human experience. Thankfully, the Bible is full of passages to help us endure our feelings of loneliness and find peace. It reminds us that we are never truly alone; God is with us always, even in our darkest moments. Christians can take great comfort in this fact, and find strength and courage to carry on through their pain.
Signs of Loneliness
Are you feeling lonely and longing for a spiritual connection? It’s not always easy to recognize the signs, but it’s important to recognize loneliness to restore wholeness and connection. As Christians, we can find solace in our faith and use it to combat feelings of loneliness and reconnect with God and others.
If you’re feeling alone, there are several tell-tale signs that can alert you. These may include feeling empty and isolated, struggling to find joy in activities or things you used to enjoy, having difficulty forming or maintaining relationships, or feeling emotionally drained. Even not sleeping well. For Christians, Scripture can bring hope and encouragement to help combat loneliness and provide support.
For many Christians, loneliness can lead to a substance or behavioral addiction. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, tobacco, overeating, or overworking, the temptation to fill the lonely void with addictions can be strong. Fighting this temptation requires individuals to become aware of their need for connection, and reach out to their church and fellow believers for support and understanding. Only then can they receive the strength to combat their addiction and reclaim their freedom.
Did you know that a shocking 49% of Americans are struggling with addiction? Whether it’s a dependency on a substance that can be abused or a behavior that can have a detrimental impact on one’s well-being, there’s no denying that addiction is a big problem.
When discussing loneliness and depression, boredom often conversationally arises. Loneliness and boredom are akin in that both evoke a sense of disconnection- either with tasks (boredom) or people (loneliness). For many Christians, feelings of loneliness can lead to feelings of depression. To combat these feelings, it’s important to make an effort to reach out, connect with others, and be intentional about engaging in the world around us.
Depression and loneliness are closely intertwined, as those who suffer from depression often withdraw from relationships and social interaction. This can lead to a lack of significant relationships and strong feelings of loneliness in the individual. Christians should be aware of the signs of depression and loneliness in themselves and their community, and take steps to provide help and support for those who need it.
Several Examples of Loneliness in the Bible
King David
For Christians, loneliness is something familiar. King David, one of the most revered Biblical figures, was no stranger to the feeling. In his renowned Psalms, he expressed his raw emotions and appealed to God for companionship. We can draw comfort from his words, knowing that God is with us even in the midst of our loneliness.
Psalm 25:16-21 offers a window into King David’s relationship with God. It illustrates his deep longing to be connected to the Divine and affirms his trust in the Lord’s faithfulness – even in times of distress. As you read and reflect on these verses, may they move you to strengthen your own relationship with the Lord.
Turn to me and be gracious to me,
Psalm 25:16-21 (ESV)
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.
Consider my affliction and my trouble,
and forgive all my sins.
Consider how many are my foes,
and with what violent hatred they hate me.
Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
for I wait for you.
Prophet Jeremiah
God’s prophets often endured painful rejection and loneliness – none more so than the “weeping prophet” Jeremiah. Not only was he instructed by the Lord not to marry, but he had few trusted companions. His suffering serves as a profound reminder that even in our darkest hours, God is there to provide solace and comfort.
God summoned Jeremiah to proclaim his disdain for Judah’s wickedness, warning that if they failed to repent and reform their behavior, judgment would come swiftly. As a divine messenger, Jeremiah courageously faced the daunting task of bringing God’s message to his people.
The prophet Jeremiah felt alone and endured pain, but he refused to abandon his faith in God. In Jeremiah 15, we see how intense the prophet’s suffering was, yet he kept his commitment to God’s calling. Despite the anguish that poverty, persecution, and loneliness brought, Jeremiah found comfort through his unwavering trust in the Lord.
Jesus
Scripture confirms Jesus faced the feeling of loneliness. Even on the cross, His cry of despair was heard:
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Mark 15:34 (ESV)
It’s a reminder that Jesus is fully human, and despite His divine nature, He can still feel the same emotions that we all do. His faithfulness and commitment to God served as an example for us to look to in our own struggles with loneliness.
And in Isaiah 53:3, a prophecy about Jesus, we read,
“He was despised and rejected by men,
Isaiah 53:3 (ESV)
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Jesus understands the pain of loneliness, for he experienced it in his own life. As the perfect example of how to endure sorrow, Jesus can offer hope and comfort to those who feel isolated. For Christians, Jesus’ empathy is a reminder that they are never truly alone.
What Does the Bible Say About Loneliness?
The Bible paints a clear picture: having a strong connection to God and other believers enriches our lives and is far better than going it alone. Our faith teaches us that we were never meant to be isolated, but rather united in love and fellowship.
King David penned:
Behold, how good and pleasant it is
Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV)
when brothers dwell in unity!
It is like the precious oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
running down on the collar of his robes!
It is like the dew of Hermon,
which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
life forevermore.
Jesus assured His disciples,
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
When King Solomon reflected on the effects of loneliness, he noted that it can have a significant impact on our work and our enjoyment of life. The ancient wisdom of Solomon teaches us that meaningful connection with others is essential for achieving our goals, feeling fulfilled, and enjoying life to the fullest.
“Again, I saw vanity under the sun: one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 (ESV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
In Ephesians 4:25-27, Paul warned us to take swift action in mending broken relationships with each other. That way, we can stand strong and united as a Body of Christ, making it more difficult for Satan to gain a foothold in our lives. Don’t let your disagreements keep us apart, let us strive to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Scripture reveals that when we come together as Christians, we are stronger and more resilient in resisting temptation and idolatry. United, we can further God’s mission of bringing His kingdom on Earth.
When loneliness strikes, Scripture provides a supernatural source of comfort. Whether single or married, battling depression, or simply lacking companionship, we can find refuge in the timeless words of the Bible. Installing a Bible app on your phone or tablet is an easy way to access Scripture’s healing power; a few moments of reading or listening can transform an empty feeling into a life-filled peace.
God’s Word confirms we are never alone – His beloved children – despite the loneliness we feel. To reinforce this truth, let’s look at some key Bible verses. These verses remind us that God is always with us, loving and protecting us, no matter what life throws our way.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)
For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
Psalm 27:10 (ESV)
but the Lord will take me in.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
Psalm 68:5-6 (ESV)
is God in his holy habitation.
God settles the solitary in a home;
he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,
but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 3:1 (ESV)
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say,
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV)
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
God Comforts the Lonely
As a follower of Jesus, you have a distinct honor and calling: to become a priest in God’s Kingdom. In 1 Peter 2, the apostle Peter wrote that each of us has the privilege of being “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.”
So, what does that mean for us now? It means that each of us can have the honor of being a priest and using our lives to serve God and extend His Kingdom. We have been called to share the love of Jesus with others, not just through words, but through our actions. When we join together to do this, we become a powerful force for the Kingdom of God.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
1 Peter 2:4-7; 9 (ESV)
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone,”
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Throughout Jewish history, the priests were devoted to connecting the people to God. The Law was stringent in that priests had to be from the tribe of Levi (an interesting fact: “levi” means “connect” in Hebrew). But Jesus radically redefined this role, offering all believers access to God. No longer were barriers of priesthood or ritual required to commune with the divine. Instead, each person could be their own priest in the presence of the Lord.
Mark’s account of the death of Jesus on the cross mentions that the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
“And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
Mark 15:37-38 (ESV)
The curtain in the Bible has a deep significance. It separated the people from the holy of holies, accessible only by select priests. This strong divide emphasized the awesomeness of God’s holiness and gave believers a vivid reminder of His special presence.
As Christians, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to act as a royal priesthood, connecting people to God. By tearing down the curtain that once kept us separate and set apart, God made it clear that the prior priestly order was no more—and the burden of taking on this mission was now upon us. With the Spirit’s power, we can fulfill our role in this calling, bridging the gap between humanity and the Lord.
God has called us to live our lives as sacred vessels, actively engaging with our priesthood. Our Creator has crafted an incredible plan for us that involves serving others and faithfully responding to His call with obedience and love. As Christians, it is our sacred duty to heed the call of our Heavenly Father and to strive to fulfill His glorious plan for us.
When life gets you feeling down and alone, remember your calling to draw people closer to God. Intentionally living into that calling can be the key to unlocking victory over chronic loneliness. Let your purpose be the fuel to rise above your struggles and be a beacon of hope to those around you.
As Christians, we’re called by God to be a kingdom of priests. This means that it’s our job to connect with Him, build relationships with our fellow believers, and ultimately reach out to those who don’t know God. We have a responsibility to spread the Word of God and bring others into His kingdom. So let’s all make it a priority to build bridges between God and humanity.
How to Avoid Being Lonely
1. As Christians, we have the privilege of connecting with God in various ways. Whether it’s spending time in Scripture, praying, worshipping, or taking communion, these activities will draw us closer to Him. Allow yourself to be filled with joy, hope, and peace as you deepen your relationship with the Lord.
2. For Christians, a meaningful connection doesn’t stop at just attending a worship service; it involves meaningful community engagement. This can take the form of participating in a Sunday school class, Bible study, or small group, enjoying times of fellowship, and serving alongside others at events or in the community. By immersing yourself in these activities, you’re not only connecting with fellow believers but also strengthening your relationship with God.
Finding community among fellow believers is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. That’s why I can’t say enough about the value of participating in a weekly women’s Bible study group. Not only does this type of gathering provide an opportunity to dig deep into the Word and share prayer requests, but it also creates space for cultivating meaningful friendships – something I’ve personally found to be a tremendous blessing. If you’re a Christian looking to grow closer to God and build lasting relationships, find a women’s Bible study in your area today. You won’t regret it.
3. Do you feel called to spread God’s love to those who don’t know Him yet? As a Christian, it’s important to be actively involved in our communities, volunteering with social sector organizations and finding meaningful ways to serve and love our neighbors. And we should never forget the power of prayer; pray for the people God puts on your heart, then take the initiative to reach out and connect with them.
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When loneliness strikes, our natural instinct might be to withdraw and wait for someone to reach out. But as Christians, we should challenge this instinct and reach out to others. Even if we feel lonely, taking the initiative to uplift and encourage others will help us build a sense of connection and community with our fellow believers.
Begin your journey to living out your priestly calling by praying to God. Ask for His guidance and that He fills you with the Holy Spirit. Ask for His wisdom to lead you in finding meaningful connections through your church family and the local community.
God is faithful and ever-present in your life. He provides opportunities to become more deeply connected to your local church family, which in turn strengthens your connection with the larger Christian community. He offers the perfect pathway to discovering your true purpose and full potential.
As priests of the Most High, we receive a divine connection to our Heavenly Father. Through us, others can witness God’s love and grace firsthand. Jesus prayed, “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you.” Let us be conduits of God’s love, showing all people the connection to the Divine.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
John 17:20-23 (ESV)
As Christians, loneliness can be a difficult experience to grapple with. Thankfully, we can take solace in the comforting fellowship of Christ, which has encouraged and uplifted many of His followers, even in dire situations like prisons or death. The loving relationship with our Master never fails to bring us hope and peace.
You may enjoy this video by Crossway on seeking God when you feel lonely.
To help you combat loneliness, I recommend Take Every Thought Captive by Sunshyne Grey. I recommend this course often. You will love it!
Because He Lives,
Sue
ESV – “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
