Settle in

Take a deep breath. Turn off notifications on your phone if you can. Ask God to give you hope in your loneliness and show you that he sees you.

Thought starter

Holidays can look fun and perfect on the outside. But behind the decorations and smiles, many people feel lonely or sad.

At this time of year, it’s especially common to miss someone, feel disappointed, or wonder if we’re falling behind. Social media can make it worse—everyone seems to have perfect lives, cool plans, and big wins.

We might start asking:

• “Am I good enough?”
• “Am I on the right path?”
• “Why do I feel so behind?”
• “Where do I belong?”

In the Bible, Mary Magdalene felt heartbroken and alone. But in one of her lowest moments, Jesus showed up. He didn’t give a speech; he just said her name.

Her story reminds us that even when we feel invisible, God sees us. He knows exactly where we are, understands our pain, and never leaves us behind.

Here’s what we’ll learn in this Quick Quiet Time:

• God sees us even in our sadness and loneliness.
• We need to find sacred spaces where we can come close to God.
• Daily connection with God helps us build our faith and hope.

Read this passage and circle, underline, or highlight any words that stand out to you.

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb [12] and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. [13] They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” [14] At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. [15] He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” [16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). [17] Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ ” [18] Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

John 20:11-18 NIV

Truth bomb:

You might feel forgotten, but God knows your name.

• After Jesus died on the cross, Mary was crying, alone, and lost in grief over her friend. The angels asked her why—but it was more than a question. It was a reminder of Jesus’s promise of resurrection. 
• Mary didn’t find Jesus; he found her and called her by name.
• God doesn’t wait for us to be okay. He meets us in our pain, in the quiet, and calls us by name. Just like Mary.

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Genesis 16:13 NIV

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT

“… Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! [16] See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.

Isaiah 49:15-16 NLT

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. [2] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT

Mic drop moment:

Loneliness isn’t just being alone. It’s often feeling unseen, unheard, or like we don’t matter.

• But Scripture tells a different story.
• Being alone doesn’t mean being forgotten.
• Sometimes, it’s in the quiet that we hear God most clearly.

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So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10:17 NKJV

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”

Matthew 6:6 MSG

Truth Bomb:

Everyone needs a quiet place where we can hear and connect with God.

• Listening to and reading the Bible builds faith that God is with us and we are not alone! 
• Our “quiet place” doesn’t have to be fancy—it just needs to help us feel peaceful and focused on God.

Top 10 “go-to God spot” ideas

When we’re looking for ways to connect with God throughout the day, these simple spots and moments can help us feel calm, focused, and close to him:

1. 🌳 Sit by a lake or under a tree at the park to pray.
2. 🪟 Chill in your room near a window to read the Bible or pray.
3. 🚲 Take a walk or go for a bike ride while praying.
4. 🎧 Listen to a “Quick Quiet Time” with headphones while getting ready in the morning.
5. 📖 Play an audio Bible on the way to school or work each day. 
6. 🎶 Turn on an audio Bible or spiritual music while showering or getting dressed. 
7. 🚙 Listen to a Quick Quiet Time or devotional during car rides.
8. ☕️ Meet up with friends at a coffee shop to have a bible study or Quick Quiet Time together.  
9. ✍️ Journal a prayer during a Bible study time. 
10. 🙏 Pray through a few favorite Bible verses that bring faith and support.

Wherever it is, our “God spot” is a place to pray, read, listen, breathe, and let go. God meets us there. All we need to do is work on our faith.

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In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:3 NIV

The LORD’s love never ends; his mercies never stop. [23] They are new every morning; LORD, your loyalty is great.

Lamentations 3:22-23 NCV

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Joshua 1:8 NIV

Jesus said to all of them, “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me.”

Luke 9:23 NCV

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Acts 17:11 NIV

Daily meditation on Scripture helps us live wisely, stay close to God, and not be lonely. Following Jesus is a daily decision—not just a one-time thing.

 Closing encouragement

If we’re feeling lonely this season, let’s not ignore it or try to push it away. Instead, we can find our “go-to God spots.” Sometimes, in those quiet moments, God is gently calling our name. We’re not forgotten. We’re not alone. God might be inviting us to get closer to him in a new way.

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