You Are Not Alone
Recently, I saw a lady from a nearby retirement home, walking with her walker down the sidewalk. I see her often and always pray for her. She was bent over touching the sidewalk, which concerned me. I slowed down and realized she was picking something up and seemed to be admiring it. I thought of how my mom likes to pick up the fall leaves and put her favorites on her kitchen table. I always examine them, and we talk about the beautiful vibrant colors and how each one is painted differently. No two alike! I thanked God that this lady walks in God’s Creation and feels His presence. I am sure it is not easy physically, but I bet it boosts her spiritually. She is reminded she is not alone! As the weather cools, go outside and see God’s wondrous works! Psalm 105:1-2, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!”
Loneliness is no respecter of persons. As Billy Graham said, “It invades the palace as well as the hut.” At times we can become so overcome with our circumstances that we forget that God has a plan and a purpose for our life. During these uncertain times, life can be scary. You may feel alone, but you are not alone. God is with you. God’s got you. The best place to look for comfort and guidance is the Bible. I love the way Pine Valley United Methodist Church Pastor Tim said it, “Our God is greater, our God is able, and our God is GOOD!
Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Feeling scared, isolated, or lonely is not new. Moses was reminded he was not alone in the Midian Desert when God came to comfort him and call him to a wider ministry. Elijah wasn’t alone at the cave when God came near and spoke with the still, small voice. Paul and Silas were not alone in the Philippian jail when God came down and gave them a song at midnight. Elijah, the mighty prophet, experienced loneliness. 1 Kings 19:10, “He replied, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.’”
As children of God, we are NEVER alone. We have God’s presence with us and His strength. When we feel we are scared, lonely, or depressed, we need to remember Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Again in Deuteronomy 31:6, He tells us He will NEVER leave us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
If God is always with us, then we will stay on the right path. If we are asking Him to guide us, we do not even have to worry about messing up or making the wrong decision. I like to ask Him to show me a sign and open a door for me if it is His plan. If it is not His plan, I ask Him to slam it shut before I mess up! Our help comes from the Lord. Psalm 121:2, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I love how we are reminded, again, that the Lord is also the Maker of heaven and earth! And we have Him taking care of little ole us! The God of infinite power and wisdom is on our side! He watches over us! Psalm 121:5, “The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand...“ And it does not stop there. Verses 7 & 8, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Forever! Let that sink in! We will never be alone! After Jesus’ resurrection, He gathered His disciples around and promised them this, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.
In this world of change, in this world of conflict, in this world of insecurity, we are not alone. Thanks be to God!