I had many friends in high school and was involved in choir and the dance team. But when I went off to college, everything changed.

Suddenly, I didn’t know anyone. I spent most of my days in my room after class because my friend circle was nonexistent. There was no hanging out in the quad, chilling with friends.

I’m sure I suffered a mild case of depression during that time. I couldn’t wait for holiday breaks so I could go home, hang out, and be in my element again. College ended, and I went back to that circle of what I considered lifelong friends.

They were everything to me, and our relationships were solid for years. We celebrated each other’s most important milestones—obtaining degrees, getting married, and becoming mothers. We supported each other when one of us experienced a death or hardship in our family.

It never occurred to me that our relational dynamics would change. Like I said, I had assumed these friends would be in my life forever. I was wrong.

Over time, our calls became fewer and sometimes seemed one-sided. When I realized the friends’ gatherings I used to enjoy were now happening without me, I felt rejected and as isolated as if I were on an island by myself with no support.

It took me years to acknowledge that I shared in the blame for those broken relationships. I had not taken the time to cultivate and nurture even the ones that mattered most to me. I had taken for granted that those people would be there for me whether I put effort into the relationship or not. My attitude and response in certain situations also contributed to those individuals distancing themselves from me.

The loss of these relationships hurt, and being lonely was difficult. However, I am grateful for the experience as it helped me mature spiritually and step into my calling. (See my story in Issue 2, 2024.)

Are you experiencing loneliness? It isn’t fun by any means. During those dark days, the enemy will try to convince you that there is no one in the world left in your corner. He will tell you that no one cares and that there isn’t anyone to call on, to console you, or to confide in regarding your deepest thoughts.

Praise God, that is the farthest thing from the truth. If you are a child of God, then you are never alone. The Lord promises to walk with you in the deepest and darkest valley (Psalm 23).

He will be there even when your family and friends are nowhere to be found. Psalm 27:10 says that God holds you close even when your family abandons you. People will give up on you. They’ll walk away. But God will never let you go.

I love how God reassures us in His Word that He will not only draw near to us but will also comfort us. Second Corinthians 1:3 says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort” (NLT).

Psalm 68:5–6 says, “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy” (NLT).

Understanding that God is with you will keep you from being overcome by loneliness. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18 NLT).

No matter where you are, God is there. Nothing—not sickness, divorce, a dead-end job, or even prison—can separate you from His love (Romans 8:35). Don’t lose hope; Your heavenly Father sees and loves you. He knows that, with Him, you’ll make it through.

So grab His hand and keep walking through that dark valley. God’s comfort will soon bring joy and defeat the spirit of loneliness.

NA’KEDRA RODGERS is a Southern belle with sass. She enjoys empowering women as a speaker, author, and podcaster. Her mission is to inspire, encourage, and point lost souls to Jesus. Connect with Na’Kedra at nakedrarodgers.com.