There’s no doubt that the culture we live in is becoming increasingly anti-Christian. You only have to watch a couple news segments, scroll through your Twitter feed, or scan through the hottest books and movies to figure this out. The biblical ideals that were once standard in American homes are now labeled as offensive, bigoted, or hate speech. This can leave Christians feeling alone, wondering if what we believe is actually right; wondering if there’s anyone out there who believes the same things we do. The recent abundance of church closures and deconversion stories certainly don’t help our loneliness.
The truth is that we’re never truly alone. We have the all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, triune God of the universe on our side. God the Father has promised to always be with us, never leave us, never forsake us, and always strengthen us and help us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10). Jesus also promised that he would be with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). And the Holy Spirit, our Helper—the Spirit of Truth—is in us and dwells with us forever (John 14:16-17). Nothing can separate us from God (Romans 8:38-39).
Even though we know God is always with us, there are still times when we feel alone. After all, we don’t have God walking beside us as a pillar of fire, and we don’t have Jesus sitting with us and sharing a meal. But there are three things we can do that will help us to not feel so lonely in our faith journey.
1. Pray to God
A relationship without communication cannot survive. This is true of our friendships, our marriages, and even our relationship with God. While we can never lose our relationship with God once we’ve been saved and redeemed, our communication with him (or our lack of communication with him) definitely impacts the fellowship we have with him.
The Bible calls us to cast our burdens and anxieties on God (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7). He deeply cares for us and loves us. He wants to hear from us when we are struggling and when we feel like we’re all alone. When we go to God in prayer, he surrounds us and guards us with his perfect peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).
But we shouldn’t just pray once and call it good. You don’t just talk to a friend or family member at your lowest point and then never talk to them again until you feel low again. If that was the case, they would probably never want to talk with you! God does want to hear from you when you’re feeling alone and anxious and afraid, but he also wants to hear from you when you’re feeling happy and when you’re feeling angry and when you’re feeling content and when you’re feeling annoyed. He calls us to pray at all times (Ephesians 6:18) and “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV). We’re to be constant (Romans 12:12) and “Continue steadfastly in prayer” (Colossians 4:2a, ESV). After all, how can we feel alone when we’re always talking to God?
2. Dive into Scripture
When we’re struggling, it’s always helpful to hear from someone who’s gone through something similar. It helps us to know that we’re not alone in our situation, and it encourages us to persevere in our trials since we know that other people have made it to the other side. Thankfully, we have an entire book full of people who felt alone in their faith and devotion to the Lord, and we can find comfort and encouragement in each of their stories.
I’m sure Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego felt alone when they refused to bow to the golden image (Daniel 3). I’m sure Daniel felt alone when he was thrown into a lion’s den simply for praying to God (Daniel 6). I’m sure Esther felt alone when she approached the king about the slaughter of her people, the chosen people of God (Esther 5:1-8, 7:1-6). I’m sure Stephen felt alone as the Jews prepared to stone him for preaching the gospel (Acts 7). I’m sure Paul felt alone as he sat in a jail cell because of his mission work (Acts 28:30). And I’m sure Jesus felt alone when his disciples abandoned him on the eve of his brutal and torturous death (Mark 14:50).
When we dive into Scripture and read these stories (and many others), we’re reminded that we’re not alone. We’re reminded that all throughout history people have had to stand firm, be strong, and have courage despite persecution and isolation. We’re also reminded that God remained faithful to all these people and rewarded them for their faithfulness to him (even if some of them didn’t see that reward until after they left this life). We can find comfort in the fact that even Jesus knows what we’re going through, and we can find strength in knowing that God will never abandon us in dark times.
3. Engage in Church
Perhaps the best way to relieve the feeling of loneliness is to have people who will walk alongside us. Though it may seem like we’re the only one who believe what we believe, we’re not. We’re not “Lone Ranger” Christians. We belong to something bigger—the Church. We’re a part of the body of believers, and that means we’re never truly alone.
The book of Hebrews commands us not to neglect or forsake gathering with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). Why is this? Because it is not good for us to be alone (Genesis 2:18). We were created for community, and God has provided us a community to be a part of that will ensure that we’re never alone in life. The Church is called to love one another (John 13:34), build up one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25), encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), pray for one another (James 5:16), and so much more!
Finding a good local church body to join is not always easy, especially in this day and age. The numerous church closures, the popularity of false doctrines, and the rising awareness of corrupt leadership can make the church search difficult. Don’t give up! Joining a church is not only important and necessary for you, but it’s important and necessary for everyone else at the church who will be impacted by your participation in the body. Find a solid church that honors God and is centered on his Word, and find a small group you can connect with, grow with, and serve with.
Never Alone
As Christians, we’re called to live holy lives, set apart from the world (1 Peter 1:15). This can sometimes leave us feeling alone in our faith. However, we’re never truly alone. We have a God who cares for us and who loves to hear our burdens and deepest concerns. We have the Bible, a book that is both living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and is full of people who remained strong and courageous even when they did seem alone. And we have the Church, a body of brothers and sisters who will care for us and encourage us in our walk with Jesus.
My friend, you are never truly alone. When you begin to feel lonely in your faith, I encourage you to pray to God, dive into Scripture, and engage in Church. And you will be surrounded with comfort, encouragement, and love.
Tristany lives in sunny central Florida. She has a master's degree in biblical exposition from Liberty University, and she works as a database manager for a local Christian nonprofit. She is an avid reader, amateur photographer, and self-proclaimed theology nerd. She loves flowers, oldies music, and going to Disney World. Tristany has a passion for encouraging women to know and love the Word of God, and she writes about the Bible and theology regularly attristanycorgan.com.
