Lonely but not Alone

A Devotional Blog from Still I Will Ministries

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

— Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

I will never forget those long days—and even longer nights—during my hospital stay. Over fifty days confined to a hospital room, surrounded by the quiet hum of machines, the rhythmic beeping of monitors, and the chill of IV fluids. There were times it felt like just me, four sterile walls, and the weight of uncertainty.

It would have been easy to say I was utterly alone. Physically, I often was. Visitors came and went. Nurses checked in and out. But there were hours upon hours when it was simply me and the silence.

And yet, even in the stillness, I was never truly alone.

God made His presence known in countless gentle ways. Sometimes it was through the Holy Spirit whispering peace into my anxious heart. Other times it came in the perfect timing of a song playing softly over my phone, with lyrics speaking directly to my circumstances. Or a simple text message from a family member or friend reminding me they were praying for me and that God was with me.

Each of these moments felt like the Good Shepherd stepping into my valley—the valley of the shadow of death. Just as David wrote in Psalm 23:4, I felt comforted and protected, even when the shadows loomed large. God’s rod and staff—the symbols of His guidance and care—were there, steadying me, reminding me that the shadows were not the end of my story.

If you’re reading this today and walking through your own valley—whether it’s a hospital room, a season of grief, a battle with anxiety, or a time of deep loneliness—know this: You are never alone.

The same God who sat beside my hospital bed sits beside you. He sees every tear, hears every sigh, and knows every fear. He may show up through a Scripture verse, a song that lifts your spirit, or a message from someone who loves you. Look for Him in the small moments. He is closer than you think.

I may have been lonely during those days in the hospital, but I was never alone. And neither are you.

Reflection:

• In what ways has God shown you His presence in seasons of loneliness?

• How can you remind yourself—and others—that even in the valley, we are never alone?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being with me, even in my loneliest moments. Help me to remember that no matter how deep the valley or how dark the shadows, You are there to comfort and guide me. Open my eyes to the ways You show Your presence, and use me to encourage others who feel alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

With Unshakable Hope!

Scott Folsom