Loneliness is one of the most painful and misunderstood struggles that people can face. You can be surrounded by people and still feel isolated. If you feel alone in life right now, rest assured that God’s word is full of wisdom and encouragement to help you find comfort and a path forward.
What Does the Bible Say About Loneliness? A Key Part of the Biblical Story
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reminds us that we were created for a relationship with God and our fellow humans. In fact, loneliness was the first problem that God solved after the creation of man, saying, “It is not good for man to be alone” in Genesis 2:18. This verse points to God’s perfect design for us to be intrinsically relational beings who long for connection.
In addition, Ephesians 2:13 tells us that while our sin made us “far off” from God, we have now been “brought near by the blood of Christ. This verse points to the saving power of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, which restored us to a right relationship with God.
Verses That Provide Comfort in Times of Loneliness
The Bible is full of wisdom and encouragement for seasons of loneliness. For example, in Psalm 26:16, David cries out to God, saying, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” These words set an example for what a vulnerable, intimate relationship with God looks like. When we call out to Him, he will make His presence known to us, comforting us when we feel alone.
Hebrews 13:5: “Never Will I Leave You, Never Will I Forsake You”
This verse is a beautiful reminder of God’s unfailing love for us, which will never fade, even when we feel alone. No matter how we feel, God remains closer than our next breath. Even if you feel abandoned by people, you are never abandoned by your Creator.
Jesus Understood Loneliness
The Bible makes it clear that Jesus knows exactly how it feels to be deeply lonely. In a prophecy about the coming Christ, Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain.” Likewise, when Jesus was on the cross, he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) in a moment when, for the first time, Christ was separated from God the Father as he bore the full weight of our sin.
Old Testament Wisdom About Loneliness
In times when friends seem distant and family is unavailable, the Bible still has eternal wisdom for us. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” This verse points to the need for a strong church community to encourage and support you when other loved ones cannot.
In addition, Psalm 68:6 says that God “sets the lonely in families,” pointing to the church as the true family of every believer. Through the church, God meets physical and spiritual needs and teaches us all what it looks like to truly live like Christ, showing sacrificial love to the least of these.
God Is With You in Your Loneliness
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that you are not alone or forgotten when you feel lonely. During seasons when you feel isolated, turn to God and His church, and you’ll find the comfort and support that you need. God sets the lonely in families, and you can rest assured that He won’t forget about you or abandon you. You belong to Him.
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