Loneliness can come in many forms, eliciting different emotions and struggles for those feeling alone, abandoned, isolated and empty. Sadly, relationship breakdowns, loss of loved ones, moving to a new area, workplace issues and many other scenarios in our broken world cause so many to struggle with this issue – often unseen by others. We often know and understand that God is always with us, and will strengthen and encourage us through his Spirit, but we were created to be relational beings and need those special human connections too. Here are some books that caught my eye around this issue and the associated emotions that may be of help to those who need it.
You Are Not Forgotten, by Christine Hoover
For those who are feeling overlooked, invisible or disregarded, this book reminds us that our God is the God who sees – who sees us and loves us, and acts on our behalf. The author empathises with the pain of those who feel unseen by others, and the urge to hide away, and points us to Christ who sees us, intercedes for us and brings comfort to all who feel lost and isolated.
Teach Me to Feel, by Courtney Reissig
The Psalms are always a good place to find help and comfort in different seasons of life, and a season of loneliness is no exception. Courtney Reissig takes the reader through 24 psalms covering a range of emotions and situations, giving us permission to acknowledge how we feel before God, and how they can help us to use those feelings productively and faithfully.
My Lowest for His Highest, by Kat Shultis
Broken dreams, grief, isolation, loss of identity – often life does not turn out as we’d have liked. How do we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus through disappointment and dark valleys of life? This book seeks to strengthen and encourage those who feel they have nothing to offer God in the depth of their situation, and shows how we can rely on him for comfort, peace and purpose in all circumstances.
Now and Not Yet, by Ruth Chou Simons
Have you ever felt disappointed with your life circumstance, relationships or progress you're making right now, or wondered if you might be missing out on your own life? Popular author and artist Ruth Chou Simons seeks to help readers through their feelings of restlessness and wanting more than current circumstances, and towards God and his purposes for us in the here and now.
Solo Planet, by Anna Broadway
Singleness and loneliness often go together, and the church is not always good at catering for those who struggle with these issues. Anna Broadway has interviewed hundreds of singles from over 50 countries and concludes that when singles thrive in church, everybody benefits, and shares her insights to help churches support, include and encourage single people better.
You'll Always Have a Friend, by Emily Ley
Children can feel the weight of loneliness in many situations when they feel left out, overlooked and unseen. And this problem can be so much harder to face when you’re a child on the playground, a kid sitting alone in the school cafeteria. This new book for children up to eight years old reassures them that they are seen and loved, and helps build confidence for making friends too.
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