Surviving the Loneliest Month of the Year
TRACIE MILES
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“Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.” Psalm 25:16 (NLT)
The month of February is often called the month of love. Yet in the hearts of millions, this month can create a chasm of loneliness. If left unchecked, loneliness can destructively affect physical, emotional and mental health — not just around Valentine’s Day but every day of the year.
I knew this all too well when I experienced the pain of chronic loneliness during the many months following the end of my marriage. An empty home, an empty nest, isolation from former friends and gatherings, and cold winter nights alone took their toll.
When warmer weather finally arrived, my daughters planned a cruise with college friends for their spring break. Out of love and concern for my well-being, they encouraged me to join them for a day in the sun together before their ship departed — and I jumped at the opportunity.
The first day was filled with laughter and smiles. The Florida sunshine warmed me and improved my mood. The change of scenery and focus was exactly what my spirit needed.
But the morning after they left, a crushing awareness of being completely, utterly alone engulfed me.
As I sat on the beach people-watching, 600 miles from home, I couldn’t hold back my tears. No one else seemed lonely on this beautiful, sunny spring day. Only me. Couples walked hand in hand, friends frolicked in the waves, families built sandcastles together, and spouses conversed. All these things used to be part of my life. But now it was just me and my chair.
Reality hit hard — being alone was my new normal. Not just on the beach but in life itself. I felt as if I had been dropped off on another planet where no one saw me.
In Psalm 25:16-18a, King David expressed similar feelings when he prayed, “Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble” (NLT). This passage is a series of pleas for God’s help because David felt oppressed, depressed, troubled, unseen and deserted by God and others.
But instead of David staying upset with God, his prayer took a twist: “For in you I take refuge. May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you” (Psalm 25:20c-21, NLT). Despite everything, King David leaned into the Lord’s presence for comfort. And we can do the same.
Solitude can be a catalyst to grow our relationship with God rather than stifle it. We were made for a personal relationship with Him, and He placed a deep longing in our hearts that only He can satisfy.
Friend, if you feel lonely today, trust that God is right by your side. Because of His presence, you never have to feel truly alone again.
Lord, I feel so lonely right now. Help me sense Your nearness, and surround me with love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For tips on dealing with loneliness, consider purchasing Tracie’s books Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life Is Hard and Living Unbroken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart After Divorce.
ENGAGE
Visit Tracie’s blog to download her free resource, “10 Tips for Handling Change Well in Your New Season.” You can also connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 28:20b, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (NLT).
What is causing you to feel lonely today? Take it to the Lord in prayer right now, pouring out your heart to Him, and ask Him for a heightened awareness of His presence in your life.
We would love to hear your thoughts about today’s devotion. Share with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Friday, 07 February 2025.
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