A prayer of comfort for the lonely, written by Christine Brown and read by Kelly Givens.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.

For you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23 verse 4.

Life seems to be offering plenty of opportunities to feel lonely recently.

Isolation and a host of other interruptions take us away from friends and family.

Away from work colleagues. Away from community.

However, some of us may be experiencing just the opposite.

Circumstances may have us spending more time with our people than we're used to,

leaving us feeling worn out. And even if we're surrounded by people,

a familiar void can settle in, telling us we're all alone, that no one understands

what we're going through. King David knew this feeling well.

He faced times in his life when he felt alone.

He asked for God's grace in his loneliness, even though he was often surrounded by faithful

soldiers, trusted advisors, and more. We discover longings of David's heart in Psalm 25 16.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.

Loneliness is deceptive. It lies to us, coaxing us to believe we have no hope.

Making us think that no one is there for us, even with plenty of people around.

But God's word reveals the truth about our loneliness. We are never alone as children of God.

Deuteronomy 31 8 says,

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Do not fear or be dismayed. God will never leave us. So when feelings of loneliness begin

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