Alone or Lonely?

There’s a big difference between being alone and being lonely. Sometimes, God Himself leads us into a wilderness season, just like He did with His people Israel.

“But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.”— Exodus 13:18

It wasn’t punishment at first, it was preparation baby!

God’s original plan for Israel was maybe a handful of weeks from Egypt to the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 1:2). But because of unbelief, complaining, and disobedience, that journey stretched into 40 years (Numbers 14:33–34). What was meant to be temporary turned into a lifetime lesson.

Isn’t that just like us? God calls us into a quiet season to refine us, and we often resist, grumble, or run to distractions.

Instead of seeing wilderness seasons as punishment, we need to recognize them as invitations.

“Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”— Matthew 4:1

The wilderness wasn’t comfortable, but it was purposeful. It was there Jesus overcame temptation, relied fully on the Word of God, and came out in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14).

The danger for us is slipping into self-pity, turning “alone time with God” into a “lonely” season. Loneliness says, “I’m abandoned.” Being alone with God says, “I’m chosen.”

Remember His promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Instead of filling every moment with noise, stimulation, or company, ask yourself:

Is God calling me away from certain activities, people, or patterns so I can depend on Him alone?

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.”— Psalm 62:1

So, don’t waste your wilderness. Don’t let the enemy twist it into isolation when God has designed it for intimacy. See it as a great privilege—an honor—to be set apart with the Lord.

He’s not punishing you; He’s preparing you.

Be encouraged, friends—your wilderness season is not wasted. In His presence, alone never means lonely.

Praying for you!

Pastor Sarah Bell