When We Are Lonely
Psalm 25:16-17
Too often, believers in Christ are ashamed to admit that they struggle with loneliness. Some assume, “If anyone knows I’m lonely, they may not think I’m satisfied in my relationship with Jesus.” What a tragic mistake! Nowhere in the Bible does it say that it is a sin to feel lonely. The truth is, even the most committed Christians feel lonely from time to time.
All throughout Scripture, we see godly men and women admitting their feelings of loneliness. Quite often in the Psalms, we see this of David. Psalm 25:16-17 shows David to be “lonely and afflicted,” while Psalm 102:7 reveals his sleepless nights due to loneliness. And this was a man who was famous for his relationship with God!
The apostle Paul struggled with loneliness during his travels as well. In 2 Timothy 4:16, he recounts a time of distress and remarks, “all [have] deserted me.”
These are all men who had unquestionably wonderful relationships with God, yet they admitted their loneliness. Even Jesus demonstrated the need for close relationships, as well as the heartache caused when they are ruptured. On the night of His arrest, He took His closest friends with Him to pray, only to sorrowfully discover that they had fallen asleep and left Him alone. (Matthew 26:36-46)
If you are struggling with similar feelings, do not be afraid to admit it to God and to your friends. Invite someone into the pain of your loneliness. That will be the first step on your journey out of it.
Daily Devotions with Dr. Charles Stanlley, InTouch Ministries