Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

Psalm 25:16

Those who are ill, grieving, or facing a crisis certainly need our compassion and care. But so does a less obvious group: those who are lonely. Loneliness is rampant these days, even among young adults. Easy to overlook, loneliness is relatively easy to address. A visit, a weekly phone call, a written note, a text or email — any connection that says “I’m thinking of you” — goes a long way.

Jesus doesn’t leave us alone. He made His dwelling among us (John 1:14), gave us life by His death and resurrection, and promised we are never alone (Matthew 28:20). As His family, we have Jesus, and we have each other.

As we use our time to reach out with compassion to others, let’s not forget those whose quiet need is to know they are not alone.

Karen Kogler
Palatine, IL

Father, show me who is lonely so my presence can remind them of Your presence. Amen. 

Reflect: Make a list of people you know who live alone. Who will you connect with this week?

Read: Psalm 25:14-21 and Psalm 102:1-11