What Does the Bible Say Concerning Loneliness and How to Overcome It?

It’s another cold night and you see the rain slapping against the windows. You can hear your wind chimes swaying. Your body is cold and there’s a melancholic nip in the air. Sleep becomes a daunting task, as the chill seems to have crept into your room—and your heart. There is a stillness that you don’t like, though it is a familiar and uncomfortable feeling. You’ve given people your time, effort, and love, yet they don’t seem to know your value or worth. Self-pity is whispering, saying that you tried. You did your best, but you don’t think it was enough. As you lie in bed with a heavy heart, you tell yourself, “I’m lonely.”

The truth is, loneliness is a big issue in the world today, and most of us are familiar with loneliness. A student may feel lonely because his schoolmates find him weird or strange. A single woman may think she’s going to be lonely for the rest of her life if she cannot find a spouse. A father who works hard far away from his family just to provide for their needs may also be lonely, or a mother who believes that no one understands her struggle. 

Believe God and His Promises

Keep in mind that the fear of loneliness is not Christlike. God told us in Philippians 4 that we should “be anxious for nothing”. The first thing we need to do in order to overcome loneliness is to believe that God truly exists and that He is faithful in keeping His promises. Having faith and knowing the Truth can set us free from loneliness. The love and knowledge of God are powerful in freeing us from loneliness. This is why He is known as the Master Chain Breaker.

Remember that it is a lie to say that we are alone.  Fear and pride can be very blinding and make us feel that we are living life by and for ourselves. We feel unnoticed, isolated, aloof, and misunderstood. Living a life based on God’s word is rewarding, so instead of focusing on what we feel, it is better to focus on what the Bible declares to be true. And the Bible is true, since it is inspired by God (All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). Strengthen your faith and belief in God. He promised that He will be with us always, even to the end of our age (Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20 KJV).

Enjoying the Church and the Holy Spirit

If we examine what the Bible says, we can see how gracious and loving God is, considering that He provided us with the church where the Spirit dwells. Where the Spirit lives, we can enjoy love, joy, peace, and goodness (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). In John 14:16-17 (NIV), Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever… you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” If the Holy Spirit is with us, how can we ever say that we’re lonely?

The real church of God is filled with members who seek to encourage and edify us. This great body of believers, which was founded by Jesus Christ, safeguards us from the dangers of isolation or loneliness. If we actively involve ourselves in our local church through services, ministries, and discipleship, we will never feel alone.  Hope and healing can be found in the gathering of the saints where the Lord is exalted, Christ is worshiped, and the Holy Spirit is celebrated.

Focus on Christ

We are told in Hebrews 4:15-16 (NASB) that “we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The Bible is clear when it says that Jesus is approachable and merciful enough to give us grace in times of need, such as periods of loneliness. There is no other name under heaven that can give us hope and joy, aside from the name of Jesus Christ. He is the loving God who laid down His life for His friends, and there is no greater love than this.

Fix your eyes on Jesus and He will give you joy. In fact, Jesus is joy Himself. The good news is that He loves you. You can build your relationship with Him by reading the Bible, praying fervently, and going to church. The God that we serve exists and knows all about our troubles and loneliness. Believe in Him and you will find rest and happiness.