Hope for Loneliness

The more time Jesus’s disciples spent with Him, the more evident it became that Jesus would not always be with them and that it might not be either popular or safe for the disciples to identify with Him. Persecution, an unappealing thought, was a frightening possibility. Jesus tried to help them prepare for what lay ahead and remember that they would not be alone.

Christmas is a time when people often feel alone. Perhaps because they aren’t married or don’t have children, maybe because they’ve gone through a recent divorce or loss of a loved one, or they are experiencing an empty nest with children who have recently left home. No matter the reason or extent of our loneliness, we can take courage in the fact that Jesus is always with us. We are never alone. 

If you feel your heart is about to break from loneliness this holiday season, it’s good to be reminded that Jesus came “to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18). 

Action Step: If you feel alone, take some time to meditate on the Scriptures below. Pray and ask the Lord to show up in a tangible way and be looking for ways in which He may reveal Himself to you this Christmas season. Volunteering at your church or a local ministry can help feelings of loneliness dissipate as well as provide an opportunity to serve those who need extra help around the holidays.   

“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

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

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 NKJV