The Epidemic of Loneliness

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Matthew 11:28-30.

Loneliness is a feeling of isolation and insulation—of being disconnected and unwanted. And it can lurk under the radar: People who are lonely may not even show that they’re feeling that way. To be quite honest, it’s a silent epidemic, impacting individuals physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Loneliness should never be shrugged off or ignored; it’s a serious problem with many different sources that can affect people from every walk of life—both sinners and saints. Even the psalmist expressed the weight of deep loneliness, saying, “I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof” (Psalm 102:6-7). Perhaps you or someone you know can identify with this psalmist. I know I have experienced times of deep loneliness in different stages, but I can testify that there is good news.

The Bible offers us the cure for loneliness. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). If you are plagued by loneliness, if it’s weighing you down and robbing you of joy, you can go to the Lord Jesus for spiritual healing. You don’t have to bring anything but your need. Jesus already loves you and wants you to find your rest in Him.

The cure for loneliness is friendship with Jesus. That’s the first step to climbing out of the pit of loneliness. Jesus offers you His hand, and you must take it. I can testify to how near He is to the broken, to how His Spirit is the best friend you could have, and to how His Word will encourage you in seasons of loneliness. So come to Jesus. He can make you new and give you inner peace. When you receive Him as your Savior and walk with Him as Lord, you’ll say with David, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. . . . 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 23:1, 4). No matter the source of your loneliness, Jesus can set you free. When you come to Him, He will give you His joy complete, His abundant life (see John 10:10, 15:11).

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save me for an eternal and perfectly satisfying relationship with You. Help me to run to You in seasons of loneliness. I want to turn them into times of aloneness with You, my hope and salvation. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon The Cure to Loneliness, The Only Cure for Loneliness: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

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  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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