5 Bible Verses That Address Loneliness

We were created for connection and community. Right from the start God saw that Adam would be happier and healthier if he had someone beside him. In the digital world of today, we are technically more connected than we’ve ever been before, but a large portion of society still suffers from loneliness.

There are layers to loneliness, such as feelings of worthlessness and a fear of losing the loved ones we have. Sometimes when we reflect on our lives and the state of our relationships, we realize that it has been months or even years since we felt truly seen, loved, and appreciated.

5 Bible Verses About Loneliness

If no one else has said it to us recently, God has. In His Word are promises, encouragements, and reminders that He sees us, He is always with us, and He cares about our situation. Remember that as you draw near to Him, He draws near to you. Let these words be like a healing balm in the dried and cracked places of your soul.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. – Psalms 25:16, NIV

For many, even the feeling of loneliness is an embarrassing burden and one that they would rather not share with anyone. If you have ever felt embarrassed that you feel lonely, you are not alone. Loneliness and shame often go hand-in-hand.

Sometimes the first step we need to take in battling loneliness is simply to be honest about it.

There is a type of freedom that comes with simply stating a need or venting a fear. The Psalmist here is childlike in the way he asks for help and articulates his problem. Prayer is a way that we can express our anguish and begin facing our shame and fear.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7, NIV

Another reason we tend to avoid talking about our loneliness is because it feels like no one cares. Society can be incredibly individualistic, with everyone focusing on their issues and fighting their own battles.

Peter’s reminder here is that God is always available to hear us and help us. He does so precisely because He cares; He wants to help us. We are not a burden to Him, and He is never too busy to take note of us.

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24, NIV

Loneliness is not the absence of friends. It’s the lack of a satisfying, secure connection. Good friends are a rare blessing. A good friend will check in on you before you reach out to them.

A good friend will prioritize you at least once in a while and give you space to express yourself honestly. Good friends stick by you, and one or ten years down the line the connection is just as vital as it’s always been.

Loneliness is a lack of meaningful connection. When you don’t have a friend, there is One Who is waiting for you to reach out to Him. He is always available and always accessible through prayer.

Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. – Psalms 27:10, NIV

Someone once said that “friends are the family we choose for ourselves”. While that is true, the first connection in life we make is with our family. And sometimes that family is not good. Childhood trauma affects us well into adulthood, causing wounds of resentment and mistrust.

There is a reason Jesus introduced God by a new name when He began His ministry. He taught His disciples to pray by first acknowledging God as “our Father”. When we have been hurt, neglected, or rejected by our physical family, we still have a heavenly Father Who will never let us go.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” – John 14:18, NIV

A few hours before Jesus was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death, He sat with his friends after dinner and assured them that He would never truly leave them. His words seem to address the target of our fears today; He assures us that while he lives, we are never truly alone.

When you need someone to talk to about your loneliness outside of family and friends, a counselor is someone who will always be available for you to connect with. You are free to bring any issue into the sessions with them, and you will find someone who listens, reflects, and gently challenges you in ways that will help you grow and learn.

Contact us at Irvine Christian Counseling when you are ready to meet with a counselor in Irvine, and we can connect you with someone to address your loneliness with and lead you to better mental health.