I Choose Today to Find God in My Loneliness
The other day, I had a conversation with someone I see regularly. As we discussed my upcoming podcast, she shared her thoughts on what people need most in today’s world. Among the things she mentioned, one word stuck with me: loneliness.
One such occasion was the psalmist who described himself in this way, “I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof.” Psalms 102:6-7 NLT
The owl is significant in this passage because it is a bird who lives in isolation. Owls are known for inhabiting deserted or desolate places, such as ruins, wilderness, or abandoned areas. The psalmist refers to the owl in the desert and wilderness to emphasize feelings of being removed from society, surrounded by barrenness, and cut off from the vibrancy of life.
I know there are seasons of my life where I feel like the owl: isolated and removed from the vibrancy of life. Especially after the holidays, where the hustle and bustle of activities keep our minds busy, I find myself feeling alone, isolated, in the wilderness of sorts.
But isolation doesn’t get the final word. The psalmist goes on in the passage and cries out to God and He answers him, “He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.” Psalms 102:17 NLT. God heard the psalmist’s cry and took action.
In Psalms 107 we see countless demonstrations of this desperate cry and God’s subsequent actions, “Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; He snapped their chains.” Psalms 107:10, 13-14 NLT
Just like the psalmist, we can cry out to God in our seasons of isolation and loneliness, trusting that He hears us and will not leave us there. God’s presence, His Word, and the community He provides are reminders that we are never truly alone. Whether you feel like the solitary bird on the roof or are weighed down by chains of despair, God’s answer is the same: “I am with you, I will never abandon you.”
You’re not alone in feeling this way—others, including the psalmist and countless believers, have felt the weight of loneliness. But like them, you can also experience the freedom that comes from crying out to God and trusting His promises.
So today, I choose to cling to the promise that God hears my cries and answers with His love. And I invite you to do the same. When the weight of loneliness presses in, call out to the One who promises to be near.
Take one small step today—whether it’s praying honestly, reaching out to a trusted friend, or opening your Bible to let God’s Word remind you of His faithfulness. The I Choose Today community exists to encourage and grow with one another. Let’s journey together as we find hope in God’s presence, where we are always known, loved, and never alone.
1 thought on “I Choose Today to Find God in My Loneliness”
It can be hard to reach out to others when you are feeling lonely. But, it can be such an uplift. This past week, I asked a friend if she wanted to “do something.” She instantly reacted with a “yes!” and we spent the day together. I didn’t realized that by my admitting that I was lonely and needed a friend, I helped someone who was also feeling alone. It was like medicine for both of us!