Why do I feel so alone even when people are right there?

Sunday lunch. The table is full. Someone is laughing at something on their phone, someone else is talking, the TV is on. And you are sitting right there, in the middle of all of it, feeling completely invisible. Not sad in a way you can explain. Just... hollow. That feeling has a name, and it is older than you think. David, a man surrounded by an army, a palace, and a nation, wrote these words. He knew exactly what you are carrying right now.

"Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted."

- Psalm 25:16 (KJV)

Tonight, find two minutes alone, even if it is just the bathroom with the door locked. Say out loud the name of the one person or place where you feel most invisible. Then tell God that specific thing. Not a long prayer. Just that one true thing. He is not waiting for you to dress it up.

Where do you feel most invisible in your life right now?

God, I feel alone even when the room is full. You see me in that. Meet me where the noise cannot reach. I bring You the hollow feeling and ask You to fill what people cannot. Amen.

Tomorrow: Why do I feel guilty every time I stop and rest?