“So many people struggle with loneliness,” began Cale on a segment of The Cale Clarke Show. “Whether it was during the pandemic, post-pandemic, not just during the pandemic, this is a part of the human condition. We all struggle with it from time to time.”
In times of struggle, there’s nobody better to turn to than Jesus Christ, and no better way to hear His consolation than through the Word of God. Cale took his listeners through the top ten Bible verses to read and contemplate when you’re dealing with loneliness or solitude.
In no particular order of impact or importance:
- Psalm 139 – “Even before a word is on my tongue, LORD, you know it all. Behind and before you encircle me and rest your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, far too lofty for me to reach. Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, there you are. If I take the wings of dawn and dwell beyond the sea, Even there your hand guides me, your right hand holds me fast…”
Even if we wanted to, we cannot escape the Lord. He is always with us, until the ends of the earth, in the darkest corners of the earth, and in the deepest recesses of our hearts.
- Hebrews 4:15-16 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”
The Incarnation was not some spectacle put on for show. The Son of God became man, was tempted as we are, was subject to pain, suffering, joy, contemplation, ridicule, hatred, and loneliness, just like us. We should have confidence that we can go to Him with our loneliness. He knows everything that we’re going through.
- Isaiah 53:3 – “He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, knowing pain, Like one from whom you turn your face, spurned, and we held him in no esteem.”
He is not unfamiliar with grief, sorrow, nor loneliness. Let us go to Jesus and conquer loneliness together.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 – “So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”
Give it up to God. Don’t dwell on your stress, anxiety, worries, or loneliness. God wants us to ask Him for help and we should find comfort in the fact that when we do, we can give Him all of our troubles.
- Psalm 25:14-18 – “The counsel of the LORD belongs to those who fear him; and his covenant instructs them. My eyes are ever upon the LORD, who frees my feet from the snare. Look upon me, have pity on me, for I am alone and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart; bring me out of my distress. Look upon my affliction and suffering; take away all my sins.”
This passage is a direct and explicit plea for God to rescue us from our distresses. When we are “alone and afflicted”, turn to God and tell Him what you think you need. And He will give you what you really need.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. For as Christ’s sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow.”
When we are comforted by God, it not only gives us a respite, but it allows us to help others as we act as a conduit for God’s comfort. When we allow ourselves to join in God’s suffering, He will bless us for our devotion to Him.
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
That’s explicit confirmation. “I am with you.” It gives no prerequisites. It gives no caveats. God is with us at all times so we should have no fear. With Him, we have His strength, His help, and we will be risen up by His right hand. What more do we need?
- Mark 10:29-30 – “Jesus said, ‘Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.’”
For some people, turning to Jesus means being rejected by friends and family. But do not worry. Giving up those things will result in a hundredfold return, including the eternal company of Our Lord. We will never be alone again.
- Psalm 73:23-26 – “Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand. With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor. Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth. Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.”
God is our Father. And like a father, He is there to protect us, take our hand, and guide us. Though everything is subject to failure and corruption, God is perpetual.
- Joshua 1:9 – “I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go.”
Short and sweet. God is with you wherever you go, no matter the earthly circumstances. Always remember that.
Tune in to The Cale Clarke Show weekdays at 5pm CT
