God puts the lonely in families

Psalm 68:6

Erinn navigates life with God and a few human souls. Since her divorce 15 years ago, holidays have been spent either alone or fellowshipping with families in the body of Christ. Her natural family has either passed away, lives far away, or does not invite her.

Over the years, Erinn has learned to embrace her own company, accept invitations from fellow believers in Christ, and broaden her awareness of “family.”

For Thanksgiving, 2025, she was reminded by the Holy Spirit that “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:8a NIV), and that, Erinn realized, is another reason to praise God.

Impact of Loneliness

The U.S. Surgeon General said in September of 2023 that loneliness has an impact on our health, including “an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”

It is suggested that people combat this epidemic of loneliness by increasing their number of social interactions, having a variety in the types of relationships, and understanding that “the degree to which these relationships—as well as our interactions with people more generally—are positive, helpful, or satisfying.”

Biblical Revelation

Psalm 68 highlights God’s role in defeating Israel’s enemies. And, if you can imagine loneliness as an enemy, you can see God works here, too.

God’s mercy towards the helpless is praised because God is just and aids the weak.

Loneliness can produce weakness and a sense of helplessness in those who have no one to aid them in life’s continuing battle for peace and security.

Verses 1-10 praise God for God’s attentiveness towards those who are weak, helpless, and without a defender. The lonely are included in this population.

God places the lonely. Where? In families.

Are you aware of the “family members” in your life? Do you accept their invitation to connect? Do you sense God placing you in the care of positive, helpful, satisfying family relations?

The beauty of naming special people in our lives as family is a gift. These people especially touch our hearts. We feel close to them. They listen, comfort, correct, provide, and love us in ways we may have yearned for a long, long time.

Find your family if you do not have one. And if you do have a safe, loving version of family, enjoy them this holiday season.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for being an ever-present Defender and Provider on my behalf. Please forgive me for resisting the invitations to connect with others. For now, I understand that you are placing me in families to promote my well-being and end the loneliness. Thank you.

Be blessed,

Mystic Michelle