It is not good to be alone. Whether you’re a man or a woman, being alone is not part of God’s plan for us. Aloneness is often described as Hell—an existence of isolation and emptiness. Imagine living for eternity in a vast, desolate space where nothing is ever shared, and you’re completely cut off from others. That’s why it’s so important to understand: It is not good to be alone.
Genesis 2:18-24
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.’ So out of the ground, the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. The man gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field; but for the man, there was not found a helper as his partner.
So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man, He made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.’ Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
In this passage from Genesis, God acknowledges that man is not meant to be alone, even though man was already in communion with God. This reveals something deeper—aloneness isn’t just about physical solitude. It can also describe a deeper emotional or spiritual isolation, the kind many of us experience, especially during times of depression.
Depression and Aloneness
Depression, at its core, is a profound sense of aloneness. It’s the inner voice that says, “I don’t need anyone; I don’t care about love; isolation is easier.” But that’s the lie depression tells. Even though I’ve always found my happiest moments surrounded by loved ones, depression pushes me toward isolation. It creates a mindset where every thought and action centers around self—gradually shrinking the world until it becomes a solitary space, no matter how many people are physically present.
This kind of emotional isolation can feel like Hell on earth. It’s a personal prison, where relationships become so suffocated by depression that there’s only room for one person. And that, in itself, is the opposite of how God intended us to live. To understand more about the biblical context of aloneness, check out this article on the meaning of solitude.
The Fight Against Isolation
For me, battling depression requires a conscious effort to remain connected to others. While I may appear outwardly happy and engaged, the real victory comes from making relationships and connection a priority. I firmly believe it’s God’s will for us to stay connected with others, to build meaningful relationships, and to nurture intimacy in our lives. If you’re looking for more insights on this topic, our in-depth discussion at iheardeadpeople.website explores how building connections can transform your mental health.
If Hell is eternal isolation, then perhaps we can think of Heaven as eternal connection—a state of complete belonging and love. This connection is something God calls us to, and the way we foster it now has implications for both our present life and eternity.
Intimacy as an Antidote
There’s a powerful lesson in the final line of the Genesis passage: “A man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Intimacy, both emotional and spiritual, can be the antidote to depression. Yet, when we’re in the depths of despair, there’s often a knee-jerk reaction to resist closeness. But God’s plan is clear: connection brings healing.
While this passage is traditionally understood to be about marriage, its truths extend beyond that. It’s not about rushing into marriage as a cure for loneliness—because we can be just as lonely within a marriage as outside of it. Instead, the key takeaway is that vulnerability, connection, and prioritizing relationships are essential for our well-being. I was digging deeper into what I am writing about and I thought this was a helpful piece Psychology Today’s guide to building deeper connections.
God’s Solution to Aloneness
One of the most comforting parts of this scripture is how God recognizes man’s need before man himself does. God sees Adam’s need for companionship and creates a solution—Eve. In the same way, God often provides for our needs before we even realize we have them. He knows when we are struggling, and His answers are always right, even when they don’t seem immediately clear.
God’s solution to aloneness is often paradoxical. The cure for isolation lies within us, yet it also requires us to reach out to others. Ultimately, it is God who provides the way out of depression and isolation, urging us to connect, even when our instincts pull us toward solitude.
The Importance of Healthy Relationships
Though relationships bring the most joy and fulfillment, they can also bring pain and heartache. The people closest to us have the power to hurt us deeply—whether by words or actions, or even by neglect. But this doesn’t mean we should retreat into isolation to protect ourselves. God knows the risks and rewards of relationships and still encourages us to choose connection. It’s in these connections that we find healing, growth, and the ability to overcome feelings of loneliness and depression. You can explore the balance between vulnerability and self-protection in relationships at iheardeadpeople.website.
Choosing Connection Over Isolation
Ultimately, God leaves us with the choice: to embrace the solution He offers or reject it. When faced with internal and external pressures that push us toward isolation, we must actively choose to resist those forces. Loneliness and depression thrive when we disconnect, but healing and peace come through intentional connection and openness to others.
Being alone isn’t God’s design for us. Whether single or married, the true solution lies in nurturing healthy, intimate relationships with those around us. Vulnerability, love, and connection are the keys to overcoming the kind of aloneness that breeds despair. And through it all, we can trust that God is with us, providing the guidance and strength we need to live fully in communion with others.
