The Epidemic of Loneliness

Read Matthew 11:28-30.

Loneliness is a feeling of isolation and insulation—of being disconnected and unwanted. And it can lurk under the radar: People who are lonely may not even show that they’re feeling that way. To be quite honest, it’s a silent epidemic, impacting individuals physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Loneliness should never be shrugged off or ignored; it’s a serious problem with many different sources that can affect people from every walk of life—both sinners and saints. Even the psalmist expressed the weight of deep loneliness, saying, “I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof” (Psalm 102:6-7). Perhaps you or someone you know can identify with this psalmist. I know I have experienced times of deep loneliness in different stages, but I can testify that there is good news.

The Bible offers us the cure for loneliness. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). If you are plagued by loneliness, if it’s weighing you down and robbing you of joy, you can go to the Lord Jesus for spiritual healing. You don’t have to bring anything but your need. Jesus already loves you and wants you to find your rest in Him.

The cure for loneliness is friendship with Jesus. That’s the first step to climbing out of the pit of loneliness. Jesus offers you His hand, and you must take it. I can testify to how near He is to the broken, to how His Spirit is the best friend you could have, and to how His Word will encourage you in seasons of loneliness. So come to Jesus. He can make you new and give you inner peace. When you receive Him as your Savior and walk with Him as Lord, you’ll say with David, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. . . . Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:1, 4). No matter the source of your loneliness, Jesus can set you free. When you come to Him, He will give you His joy complete, His abundant life (see John 10:10, 15:11).

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save me for an eternal and perfectly satisfying relationship with You. Help me to run to You in seasons of loneliness. I want to turn them into times of aloneness with You, my hope and salvation. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.