“The Lord is near to them that are of a contrite heart; And will save the lowly in spirit.”
Scripture by topic
Bible verses about loneliness
Ten passages for the hours when no one is near—read with the Church that insists you are not forgotten.
01
When God feels far away
Scripture places God nearest to those who feel furthest—the broken-hearted and the crushed in spirit.
“Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? And whither shall I flee from thy presence?”
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
02
When people have gone
The promise repeated to Israel and to the Church is the same: not merely help, but presence that does not withdraw.
“Be courageous and strong, fear not, neither be cowardly, neither be afraid before them; for it is the Lord your God that advances with you in the midst of you, neither will he by any means forsake thee, nor desert thee.”
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, But the Lord has taken me to himself.”
03
When you need to belong
God does not intend isolation. From the beginning, human life is made for communion—with God and with one another in his Church.
“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone, let us make for him a help suitable to him.”
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,”
“Fear not; for I am with thee: wander not; for I am thy God, who have strengthened thee; and I have helped thee, and have established thee with my just right hand.”
Questions readers ask
Loneliness and Scripture
What does the Bible say about feeling alone?
Scripture takes loneliness seriously—many psalms are written from it—and answers it with the promise of God's abiding presence and with a calling into the common life of his people.
Which Bible verses help with loneliness?
Psalm 33:19, Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, and Matthew 28:20 speak most directly to abandonment and to the nearness of God.
How can the Church help with loneliness?
Regular worship, prayer with others, service, and speaking with a priest give loneliness a place to be carried rather than hidden. Practical companionship is part of the Church's calling.