May 20: No One Cares for My Soul
The weekend stretches out ahead of you, and there’s no one to call.
“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”
David wrote this psalm while hiding in a cave. He was on the run, cut off from home. And he wrote an honest line: look on my right hand, and see, for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul.
That’s what loneliness feels like. Not just being alone, but feeling like nobody would notice if you disappeared.
Loneliness is common in recovery. Old drinking friends are gone, or should be. Family may still be wary. New friendships take time. And weekends, especially, can feel empty. All those hours that used to be filled with drinking now just sit there.
But David doesn’t stay in the cave of loneliness. He turns. I cried to You, Lord. I said, You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.
My portion. That word means share, or inheritance. When everything else feels taken away, God Himself is what David has left, and it turns out to be enough to keep going.
This connects to Step Five in a quiet way. Isolation is one of the things the Fifth Step breaks. When you finally let one person know you completely, the walls start to come down. You’re no longer alone with your secrets.
But you don’t have to wait for that. Loneliness is a reason to reach out today. Look for a meeting this weekend. Many areas have meetings every day. Go early and stay after. Call someone from your phone list, even if it feels awkward. Go to church and introduce yourself to one person.
If loneliness turns into hopelessness, or thoughts of not wanting to live, call or text 988 right away. You matter.
One thing today
Make a plan for your loneliest hours this weekend. Write down one meeting, one person to call, and one place to go. Do at least one of them.
A prayer
Lord, I feel alone, like nobody cares for my soul. But You are my refuge and my portion. Be with me in this empty time. Lead me to people who will walk with me. Amen.
Ending isolation is part of Step Five.
Talk it through with Jimmy or Sarah — first month free
Jimmy and Sarah are AI sponsors who know the Twelve Steps and the Bible. They'll listen, walk the steps with you, and keep pointing you to real people: a meeting, a sponsor, a church.
Free to download · first month free, no card · adults 18+
After the first month, talking with Jimmy or Sarah needs Plus ($9.99/month or $59.99/year).
Get the daily reading by email
One short reading a day: a verse, a few honest words, one thing to do and a prayer. Unsubscribe any time.
We'll send one email to confirm. We never share your address.