Hey ChrisTians, Read This When YoU’RE Feeling Lonely!

I’ve been thinking a lot about loneliness lately. It’s something that’s been weighing on my heart—not just for myself, but for so many people around me. No matter what we scroll past on Instagram or see in people’s curated lives on TikTok, there’s this quiet truth behind it all: a lot of us are lonely.

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Seriously, I know we don’t talk about it much, but it’s there. And I think it’s time we stop pretending everything’s fine when our hearts are aching.

I read a couple of studies last week that confirmed what I’ve already been sensing—loneliness is actually rising, especially among young adults. Isn’t that wild? You’d think with all the ways we’re supposedly “connected,” we’d feel more together. But instead, it feels like we’re more isolated than ever.

I think part of it started during the pandemic. When we were all stuck inside, disconnected from church, friends, family, and even just basic community rhythms like grabbing coffee or attending a Bible study in person—it did something to us. And for many people, they never really came back out. I know some girls who barely leave their apartments anymore. They say they’re “fine,” but their eyes tell another story.

And maybe the saddest part? They’re ashamed to admit it. Like saying, “I feel lonely,” means they’ve failed somehow. But the truth is, loneliness doesn’t mean you’re weak or broken. It means you’re human.

As a Christian, I just want to remind anyone reading this—and my own heart too—that we are not alone. Not ever.

Even in our loneliest moments, God is there. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Isn’t that beautiful? We serve a God who draws near to us, especially in our weakest and loneliest places.

But I get it. Sometimes even knowing God is near doesn’t make the ache go away instantly. That’s why we have to learn how to care for ourselves in a way that reflects how He cares for us.

One of the first things I’m learning is the importance of self-compassion. And before anyone rolls their eyes and thinks, “That sounds too self-help-ish,” let me explain.

Self-compassion isn’t about being selfish. It’s about extending grace to ourselves the same way Jesus does. So many of us carry guilt and shame like it’s part of our identity. We beat ourselves up for not being more productive, more social, more… everything. We compare ourselves to people online who seem like they have it all together and then wonder what’s wrong with us.

But here’s the truth: God never called us to be perfect. He called us to be His.

In Mark 12:31, Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” How can we love others well if we don’t even know how to love ourselves?

So I’m learning to take a breath, pray, and remind myself: It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to not have it all figured out. It’s okay to feel lonely sometimes.

Lord, help me be gentle with myself. Help me see myself the way You see me—with love, not judgment. When I feel like I’m falling short, remind me that Your grace is enough.

After practicing self-compassion, the next thing I’ve found helpful is working on my relationships.

Because the truth is—we’re made for connection. God designed us to be in community. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

I think of my closest friend, Grace. We had lost touch for a while, but after I reached out again, we started talking more and even praying together on the phone. It was awkward at first—I won’t lie. But it became a lifeline. It reminded me that even when connection feels hard or distant, it’s worth the effort to pursue it.

So if you’re feeling isolated, maybe text that friend you haven’t heard from in a while. Join a small group at church. Say hi to someone new on Sunday morning. God often brings healing through people—don’t miss the opportunity.

But here’s the thing that holds all of this together: God Himself is our truest companion.

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Do not be afraid or terrified… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” That verse gives me chills every time. Because no matter how quiet my phone is, or how many Friday nights I spend at home, I’m not actually alone. And neither are you.

Cultivating intimacy with God is the most beautiful remedy for loneliness. It doesn’t replace human connection, but it fills the soul in a way no one else can. Through prayer, worship, reading His Word, and simply sitting in silence with Him, I’ve learned that His presence is enough.

Jesus, thank You for always being near, even when I forget. Help me to draw closer to You when I feel unseen, unknown, or forgotten. Fill the empty places in my heart with Your love. Remind me that You are not far off, but as close as my breath.

So, dear heart, if you’re reading this and feeling like you’re the only one struggling—please know, you’re not. So many of us feel the same. But the good news is that we don’t have to stay there. There is hope, healing, and help when we turn to Jesus.

Don’t be ashamed of your loneliness. Bring it to God. Talk about it. Reach out. You were never meant to carry it alone.

Romans 8:38-39 promises us that “neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Not even loneliness can separate you from Him.

And that, sweet friend, is everything.