When You Feel Alone – Thoughts from the Edges while following Jesus.

When You Feel Alone
Pastor Calvin Cook
October 16, 2025
Scripture: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” — Psalm 25:16 (NIV)

One of the faith issues I constantly hear from people I talk to of all ages – is that of loneliness. It seems to be lingering always in very unforeseen and unexpected places and ways. It can come quietly or all at once. It visits us in empty rooms, in the middle of crowded spaces, and even while surrounded by people we love. It’s not just the absence of company—it’s the ache of feeling unseen, unknown, or forgotten. Even faithful believers—prophets, apostles, and Jesus Himself—knew the sting of loneliness.

When Jesus hung on the cross, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, He entered the deepest cry that loneliness brings – the feeling of being deserted. His presence is not distant or abstract; it is near and real, even when unseen.

Many times, in the Psalms, David poured out his heart about his loneliness to God—not hiding it or pretending it away. That’s where healing begins. God meets us not in our pretending, but in our honesty.

Loneliness reminds us of our deep need for relationship—first with God, and then with one another. It pushes us toward prayer, toward seeking, toward opening the door of our heart again. The early church understood this: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42). They did life together because isolation was never God’s plan.

In relationship with others ask yourself seriously – when did you talk to someone just for a bit of holy fellowship, instead of wanting or needing something from them. I think the question asked in the Wesley Class and Band Meetings – “How is it with your soul?” Then to be honest with the one who cares enough to ask, to pray together, talk together, have holy fellowship.

I also know loneliness drives you to some pretty drastic steps. When there is loneliness on override, Satan creeps in and plants thoughts of unworthiness, questions that cause the replacement of God’s love for you. It distracts us and takes us to a place that is hard to return from.

If you are feeling alone today, remember:
You are seen by God — “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” (Psalm 139:1)
You are loved by God — “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
You are never abandoned — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

This is why I think it is so important for all of us to be willing to reach out to someone —with a call, a visit, or a prayer. As we comfort others, God often comforts us. And please – for the sake and love of God quit relying on texting, messenger, and sending memes. Don’t just call someone when you need something. We need relationship, as I wrote a few days ago not just to do things, but together to sit at the feet of Jesus and have holy fellowship.

Don’t let the excuse of busyness crowd out the need to be in this holy fellowship with each other – let’s do life together with God at the center and see the change that will be brought into our lives.

Prayer
Lord, when I feel alone, remind me that You are near. When silence surrounds me, help me hear Your still, small voice. Teach me to see loneliness not as punishment, but as an invitation—to draw nearer to You, and to notice others who may be feeling the same. Fill my heart with Your presence until my soul rests secure in Your love. Amen.