Every day we hear the latest reports about the Covid-19 Coronavirus. Such and such number of people are sick with the virus. Such and such number of people have died from it. Such and such number of people have recovered from it. One state has entered into Phase 2 of reopening. Another state is still in Phase 1. This politician said this. That politician said that.

One item that never makes the news, though, is the number of people whose loneliness has been taken to a much worse level by the virus. People who were already lonely have had their shopping, dining, and church attendance either limited or outright eliminated by the social distancing demanded by the virus. This has been especially true in regards to the elderly, who by all accounts are the most vulnerable to the virus.

Did you know that the first thing that wasn’t “good” about God’s creation was the fact that Adam was alone (Genesis 2:18)? That right there is clear evidence that God understands how serious this problem can be. As we know, God solved Adam’s loneliness by creating Eve to be his wife. We might classify this solution under the heading of Psalm 68:5-6, which says of God:

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (N.L.T.)

While God placing the lonely in families is certainly a beautiful, heart-warming thought, some of the loneliest people in the world actually have families. I’m referring to those folks who are suffering from “empty-nest” syndrome. Maybe the spouse has died. Maybe the children have all moved away or, even if they do live in close proximity, rarely visit. Maybe the grandchildren never come around.

Where do these “empty-nesters” find their relief from loneliness? At the risk of sounding simplistic or trite, the Bible says they should find it in God Himself. Moses promised the Israelites that God would not leave them nor forsake them (Deuteronomy 31:6). Jesus promised His followers that He would be with them always (Matthew 28:20). David said that God would be with him even as he walked through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). He also said that God would take care of him when his father and his mother — and could we add in every other type of family member? — forsook him (Psalm 27:10).

Right now, if you find yourself in the pit of loneliness, please don’t hesitate to pour out your heart to God and tell Him how lonely you are. Tell Him how abandoned and isolated you feel. Tell Him that you need Him to either personally fill the gaping hole of your loneliness or at least send someone into your life by whom He will fill it. I assure you there is nothing wrong with admitting that you are lonely and asking God to solve the problem. Even the great David once said, “Lord, all my desire is before You, and my sighing is not hidden from You” (Psalm 38:9, N.K.J.V.). You see, God already knows all about your loneliness and has a plan to meet that need in your life. That’s why you should cast your burden upon Him (Psalm 55:22), and be on expectant lookout for His solution.