Reading Psalms When You Feel Alone

The Psalms were written by people who knew what it was like to feel alone. Here is a gentle way to read them, a few at a time, and hear God's comfort.

Loneliness can sneak up on us. It can come after a loss, a move, an illness, or a long season at home. Even in a full room, a heart can feel alone.

If you feel that way today, the book of Psalms is a good place to turn. The Psalms are songs and prayers. They were written by people who knew sorrow, fear, and loneliness. They did not hide their feelings from God. They brought them to Him.

That is good news for us. The Psalms give us words when we cannot find our own.

Start with honest Psalms. In Psalm 13, David asks God how long he will feel forgotten. In Psalm 42, the writer feels far from God and asks why his soul is so heavy. These Psalms show us it is all right to be honest with God.

Then read Psalms of comfort. Psalm 23 is one many people know by heart. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, KJV)

Look at that small phrase: "thou art with me." You are not walking alone.

Psalm 34 brings another promise: "The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18, KJV) Nigh means near. When your heart is broken, God comes close.

A simple way to read. Here is an easy plan for one week:

Day 1: Psalm 13

Day 2: Psalm 23

Day 3: Psalm 27

Day 4: Psalm 34

Day 5: Psalm 42

Day 6: Psalm 121

Day 7: Psalm 139

Read slowly. If a line speaks to you, read it again. You might write it on a card and keep it by your chair or on your mirror.

Pray it back to God. After you read, turn one verse into a prayer. For example, "Lord, You are near to the brokenhearted. Please be near to me today."

Loneliness is real. But so is God's presence. The Psalms remind us that He hears every prayer, even the quiet ones.

Reflection question: Which Psalm in this list will you read today, and who could you share it with this week?

Read next:

What the Bible says about aging well

How to study the Bible with one friend by phone

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By Boundless Writing Team and Dr. Layne McDonald