Finding Hope When You Feel Alone
Loneliness is more than a feeling—it’s a silent epidemic. But today’s devotion offers hope for when we feel alone and reminds us that even when we feel isolated, we are never truly alone.
Have you ever felt invisible—even when you’re surrounded by people?
In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called loneliness a national public health crisis. He warned that chronic social isolation increases the risk of premature death by almost 30%. And one study found that heavy social media use more than doubles the chances of feeling isolated. But there’s good news: long before the Surgeon General’s advisory, God had something powerful to say about loneliness.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
- Why loneliness is more widespread—and more dangerous—than most people realize
- What God’s Word says about your worth, your belonging, and your place in His family
- A powerful first step toward connection and how the Church can be part of the healing
If today’s episode reminded you of someone who may be feeling alone, would you share it with them? Your message could be the lifeline they need.
NEED PRAYER?
You don’t have to carry what you’re facing alone. If you’d like someone to pray with you, I’d be honored. Just click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or tap the microphone icon at the bottom right corner of www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com to leave me a voicemail. I will hold your request in confidence and pray for you regularly.
SCRIPTURE VERSE MENTIONED:
Psalm 68:6 (NLT)
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In May of 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an 80-page advisory—and it wasn’t about a virus, a disease, or even mental health directly. It was about something more invisible… and far more widespread.
He called it a national public health crisis—something that, according to the report, increases the risk of premature death by nearly 30 percent.
It wasn’t cancer. It wasn’t heart disease.
Welcome to Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. I’m Bart Leger.
Today, we’re talking about something most people don’t like to admit—but almost everyone has felt: loneliness. And we’ll look at a powerful promise from God’s Word for anyone who feels unseen or forgotten.
That’s right. It’s loneliness.
Dr. Murthy warned that chronic social isolation can increase the risk of premature death by nearly 30 percent - as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day..
Even more sobering? Technology is making it worse. A study cited in the report found that people who used social media for two hours or more each day were more than twice as likely to feel socially isolated than those who were on for less than thirty minutes.
We’re more connected than ever… and yet more alone than ever.
I find it interesting that the report urged faith communities—churches like ours—to design spaces where people can naturally connect and feel known. Because we were made for relationship. Made for belonging.
That’s exactly what God says in Psalm 68:6
“God places the lonely in families; He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.”
Let that sink in. God doesn’t just see the lonely—He places them. He knows where you are and moves toward you with love, purpose, and joy.
Loneliness doesn’t always look like sitting by yourself.
Sometimes it looks like scrolling through your phone, wondering why you still feel so disconnected.
Sometimes it’s being surrounded by people, but still feeling like no one really sees you.
If that’s where you are today—I just want to say: God sees you. He knows your name. He hears your quiet prayers and your unshed tears.
And He hasn’t just noticed your loneliness—He’s already made a way through it.
He places the lonely in families. That might be a church small group. A trusted friend. A neighbor who becomes like family. And sometimes it starts with us taking one small, faithful step out of isolation and toward community.
I’ve had seasons where I’ve felt that ache too. What made the difference? People who made space for me—and moments when I took the risk to show up and be honest.
You can do the same. And God will meet you there.
So here’s today’s encouragement:
If you’re lonely, you’re not broken—you’re human.
And you are deeply loved by the God who places people in community and walks with us every step of the way.
“God, thank You for seeing the lonely and for making a place for them—and for me. Help me step toward connection, even when it’s hard. And help me notice others who might need someone too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If this devotion spoke to you, or if someone you know is walking through a lonely season, would you share this episode with them?
Sometimes one message can be the spark that reminds them they’re not alone.
Thanks for joining me today on Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. Remember—you’re not alone. Come back next time for more encouragement to help you live grounded in God’s truth. Till then, God bless, and have a great day!
