We can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. We can also be perfectly happy spending time alone. There is a difference between aloneness and loneliness. Being alone means you are physically by yourself. There is no one with you. It is external. Loneliness is internal. It is a state of mind. It’s feeling like you have no one to turn to, no one who loves you.

Everyone gets lonely sometimes. Yes, everyone. Even Jesus.

Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

In Matthew 27:46, Jesus cries, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

If Jesus can feel lonely, what makes us think that loneliness is something to be ashamed of? If Jesus can experience loneliness, why do we convince ourselves that we’re the only ones who struggle with it?

We are not alone. The beautiful, extroverted girl that sits a few chairs away from you in class and always seems surrounded by friends and admirers — she’s been lonely. The muscular star of the football team always fielding requests for photos and autographs — he’s felt lonely.

Our ultimate comforter, our Savior, God incarnate — He knows loneliness too. The high priest can sympathize with us in this weakness (Hebrews 4:15).

As Jon Bloom says on desiringGod.org, “But Jesus doesn’t just understand your loneliness; he’s destroying it. Because he died on your behalf, you are no longer truly a stranger or alien, but you are a fellow citizen with the saints and a member of God’s family (Ephesians 2:19). Because Jesus was alienated from God and man, you will enjoy the full family fellowship of God and all of his redeemed saints forever.

“Child of God, your loneliness is passing away. The day is nearing when you will know as you have been fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12). And the fading loneliness you still feel Jesus understands.

“So ‘with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that [you] may receive mercy and find grace to help’ with every lonely need (Hebrews 4:16).”

When we are overcome with loneliness, we should run to the Bible. You should run to the God who will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). No matter how alone we may feel here on the earth, there is a God mightier than all who is always with you. Even when you mess up and wish He wasn’t right there with you, He is. He will never leave you.

There’s nothing you can do to drive God away. Friends may come in and out of your life, but God is the “same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). The God that parted the Red Sea is the same God we worship now. The God that saw you when you were born is the same God that stands with you today.

No matter how deep the darkness seems, no matter how infinite the loneliness feels, never forget that God is walking with you every second of every day. Talk to Him and lean on Him.

Get involved in a church, get involved in a Bible study. Reach out to the people of God. People are fallible, but the God you serve isn’t. Surround yourself with fellow Christians who can pour into you, and pray for you and pray with you.

We have all felt lonely before, and we will all feel lonely again. And when it comes, cling to the word of God, hold on to His promises. You are not alone.

“I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe

“When I walk through deep water, I know that you will be with me. When I’m standing in the fire, I will not be overcome. Through the valley of the shadow, oh I will not fear.

I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.

In the midst of deep sorrow, I see your light is breaking through.The dark night will not over take me.  I am pressing into you.
Lord you fight my every battle, and I will not fear.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.

You amaze me, redeem me. You call me as your own.
You amaze me, redeem me. You call me as your own.
You amaze me, redeem me. You call me as your own.
You amaze me, redeem me. You call me as your own.

You’re my strength. You’re my defender. You’re my refuge in the storm
Through these trials, you have always been faithful.  You bring healing to my soul.

I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.
I am not alone. I am not alone. You will go before me. You will never leave me.”

By Jessica