This comes from my heart: Loneliness can show up in your life when you are surrounded by others at work, in church or at home. Some of us feel it more during festive seasons, when everyone else seems to be celebrating with their loved ones. But our heart can feel disconnected and alone. The truth is, loneliness isn’t always about the absence of people. It’s a condition of the heart, a longing to be seen, to be understood, to be loved. But what is the cure for a lonely heart?

It’s time alone with Jesus. Just Him. If you’re reading this today and you feel that ache of loneliness, just know that the Lord is right there with you. In the quiet moments, in your emptiness, in that very place where you feel alone, He wants to meet with you. Think about the story of the woman at the well. Jesus didn’t give her any rules. He didn’t lecture her. He simply talked with her, listened to her and gently drew out what she was going through.

Even knowing the truth, He didn’t shame her. Instead, He showed her what real love looks like. It’s a love that sees us at our worst and still chooses to stay. It’s a love that fully knows us and yet fully accepts us. The Lord has promised you this: “I will NEVER, NEVER ever leave you (Heb. 13:5). Take a moment today to be with Him. Maybe take a walk. Find a quiet corner in a cafe. Sit with your journal open. Talk to Him like He’s right there because He is. 

It may feel a little strange, but wait. When you truly encounter the Lord, when you experience His gentleness and the way He sees right into your heart, something changes. As you take time to be alone with Jesus in the days and weeks ahead, you’ll find the shadow of loneliness that once loomed so large beginning to lighten and fade away.