Then He returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” He asked Peter.
- Matthew 26:40
Jesus knew what it felt like to be alone. Think about that for a second. Jesus, the perfect man and Son of God, experienced loneliness. So, he knows exactly how you feel. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him.
Yet when He returned, they were sleeping. Jesus was facing unimaginable suffering, and the people closest to Him couldn't stay awake beside Him. The cross was before Him, with all the suffering and weight of the world’s sin, and yet those He trusted the most failed Him.
He understands loneliness—not theoretically, but personally.
That matters because sometimes we wonder whether God can truly understand what we're experiencing. Can He understand what it feels like to be disappointed by people, to face something painful while others seem unaware? Does He know what it feels like to wish someone would simply stay or not make the choice they did that hurt us so deeply?
The answer is yes. Jesus has been there. The Savior who endured the cross also endured the loneliness that came before it. He knows what sorrow feels like. He knows what abandonment feels like. So when you sit in a quiet room and feel like no one understands, remember this: Jesus does. You don't have to explain your loneliness perfectly to Him. He already understands.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for understanding the places in my heart that others cannot see. Meet me in my loneliness and remind me that You are near. Help me bring my sorrow honestly to You. Amen.
With Love,
Sarah Sherstad
Loneliness can be difficult to explain, especially when the people around you do not understand what you are carrying. But you do not have to find perfect words before coming to Jesus. He knows sorrow, disappointment, and the ache of wishing someone would stay.
Use the prompts below to bring your honest heart to Him and remember that you are seen and accompanied.
Journal & Reflect
Matthew 26:40 brings us into the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him. Yet when He returned, they were sleeping. As Jesus faced unimaginable suffering, the people closest to Him were unable to remain beside Him.
Jesus understands loneliness—not only in theory, but personally. He knows what it feels like to be disappointed, unseen, and left carrying sorrow while others do not fully understand. You do not have to explain your loneliness perfectly to Him. He already knows.
- When have I felt most alone or misunderstood?
- What disappointment or hurt am I carrying in this season?
- How does it comfort me to know that Jesus experienced loneliness?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 26:40 mean?
Matthew 26:40 describes Jesus returning to His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and finding them asleep after asking them to keep watch with Him. The passage reveals His deep sorrow and the loneliness He experienced before the cross.
Did Jesus experience loneliness?
Yes. Jesus was fully God and fully human, and Scripture shows that He experienced sorrow, rejection, disappointment, and loneliness. He understands our pain personally and meets us with compassion.
Why did Jesus ask His disciples to stay awake?
Jesus invited His disciples to remain alert and pray with Him during a deeply difficult moment. Their inability to stay awake highlights the loneliness He faced as He prepared to suffer.
What can I do when I feel completely alone?
Bring your honest feelings to God, even if your prayer is only a few words. Then consider reaching out to someone safe, such as a trusted friend, family member, pastor, counselor, or support professional.
Does feeling alone mean God is far away?
No. Loneliness is a real emotional experience, but it does not determine God’s presence. Jesus understands the feeling of being alone and remains near, even when others cannot show up as we hoped.
How can I heal from being disappointed by people?
Give yourself permission to grieve what happened. Talk with someone trustworthy, consider what boundaries you need, and bring your hurt honestly to God. Forgiveness does not require ignoring harm or immediately restoring trust.
How can journaling help with loneliness?
Journaling gives you a safe space to name your feelings, process disappointment, pray honestly, and remember God’s presence. It can also help you identify the support and connection you need.
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for understanding the loneliness and sorrow I carry. You know what it feels like to be disappointed, unseen, and left alone in a painful moment.
Meet me in the places where I feel forgotten or misunderstood. Help me bring my hurt honestly to You instead of hiding it. Give me courage to reach out for wise and supportive relationships, and comfort me when others cannot be present in the way I need.
Remind me that Your presence is steady and compassionate. Hold me close and help me recognize that I am never truly alone with You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Message from Kara
Loneliness can feel especially painful when the people we hoped would stay are unable to show up for us. If you are carrying that kind of disappointment, I hope this devotional reminds you that Jesus understands—not from a distance, but from personal experience.
You do not have to explain every part of your pain to Him. Bring your honest heart, your unanswered questions, and your longing for companionship. May His nearness comfort you today, and may He provide safe people who can walk beside you.
With Love,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
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Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Desert Night | Personalized Scripture Journal
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, these devotionals may help you find peace:
Daily Devotional • Psalm 34:18 • God Is Near to the Brokenhearted
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