“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Proverbs 27:9 (ESV)

Sometimes it can be hard to make friends. It takes time to form deep connections and build the kind of trust where a friendship feels safe and stable.

If you’re struggling because of a move or a recent friendship breakup, or maybe your life circumstances have changed and created a disconnect with those you used to have more in common with, those struggles are real. I understand how that feels.

Feeling left out and lonely isn’t something that’s reserved only for playground games and middle school dances. I’ve still felt that same sense of loneliness even as an adult.

No matter how you feel today, I want you to let this truth, God’s Truth, surround you in a symphony of compassion and comfort: You are not alone.

You may feel lonely, but you don’t have to live lonely.

So what can you do? You can refuse to isolate. It can be tempting to look at others on social media, laughing, connecting and cheering one another on, and make assumptions. It’s easy to assume they don’t struggle with loneliness. It’s easy to assume you don’t fit in or belong. It’s easy to assume the world just seems to be moving on without you.

But all those assumptions will exhaust you and tempt you to isolate even more. Isolation is never a cure for your longing for real connection. I believe the most powerful cure for loneliness can be found in togetherness. Togetherness reminds us we are all so very human, united in our struggles, our laughter, our tears, our need for Jesus, and our tender care for one another.

So I have a challenge for you today.

Do you have a friend in your life who speaks Truth? Listen to her. Stay connected to her. Let her lead you back to God time and time again. Because just like the breaking of bread sustains our physical bodies, breaking secrecy with trusted friends nourishes the deep places in our souls as we open up our hearts. I love what Proverbs 27:9 says: “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”

Togetherness is such a beautiful thing. I pray today God gives you an opportunity to pursue togetherness with safe people … because chances are you’ll be a blessing to them in their lonely feelings as well.

God, I know You often work in ways I don’t understand. Even when I feel lonely, I trust You are making something beautiful even out of these parts of my life that sting with hurt, pain and grief. I pray for opportunities to pursue togetherness with other believers who are also committed to following You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

We’ve all experienced the heartbreak of a relationship or friendship that didn’t go the distance. Maybe a friend didn’t show up for you during a difficult season. Or an unresolved disagreement led to resentment and distance. Whether you’re ready to give new friendships a try or you’re still processing the fallout, there is space for you in Circle 31 Book Club as we read I Want to Trust You, but I Don’t by Lysa TerKeurst starting TOMORROW! It’s not too late to join us, and it won’t be the same without you. Join Circle 31 here!

ENGAGE

Find real-life encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (ESV).

How are you encouraged today as you remember that the Lord will never leave you, no matter what?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.