Never Alone
Psalm 16:7-8 (NLT)
7 I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night, my heart instructs me.
8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
1 Chronicles 17:8 (HCSB)
8 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. I will make a name for you like that of the greatest in the land.
On December 2nd of this year, we had my dad’s homegoing celebration.
Usually, whenever we travel back home, we all ride together in the same vehicle. This time, however, it was different. My daughter had decided that it would be better for her to drive her car to the funeral so that she could leave immediately afterward to return home. She had finals starting on the next Monday morning, which was only two days away. She wanted to have the rest of the weekend to get somewhere quiet so she could study.Immediately after the funeral service, family and friends gathered in the church fellowship hall for a meal together. After greeting a few family members, my daughter gave my husband and I the signal that she was about to leave heading back home. The two of us decided to walk her out so that we could pray with her before she got on the highway driving back home.
As we were about to walk out, three of my cousins that I had not seen in quite some time stopped me right at the door. After our hellos an hugs, they asked me if I was leaving right then. I told them that we were not leaving, but our daughter was about to make the four-hour drive back by herself, and we were going outside to pray with her first.
I’m sure that I had that worried mom’s look on my face, especially since it was already night by this time. One of my cousins immediately looked me straight in my eye, and quickly corrected me, when she emphatically said; “she not riding back by herself”.
Wow!!! What a reminder that was! God used her at that very moment to remind me, that we are never alone and most importantly, that my daughter would not be traveling alone that night. In that moment my fears started to diminish.
I was concerned initially because I knew how many hours our daughter had been putting in at school, as well as studying day and night for her finals. I knew that to get the news of her grandfather’s death and to have to attend his funeral only two days before her finals started, would be emotionally and physically draining. Therefore I was a bit concerned about her driving back alone.
I cannot tell you how much comfort my cousin’s words were to me in that moment. Satan was trying to use one of his most effective tools which is Fear. To fall into his trap would have simply added more stress to an already stressful day. What a faith booster her words were to me. I am thankful God used her to speak to me just when I needed it.
Isn’t He Amazing!!!! His timing is always perfect.
I guess in our moments of weakness we all from time to time, have to be reminded just how loving and protective our God is of his children. Just as I wanted to protect her, He wants to protect all of us. The only difference is that He is far more capable than I could ever be.
As parents, no matter how old our children get, we try to shield them from danger, but the reality is, we can’t shield them from danger. The only one that can protect our children is God, just as He is the only one that can protect us.
There may be something that you are currently going through in which you feel all alone right now. It may be death, divorce, health issues, financial issues, or any number of other things. Just know, that the good news is that we are never alone. God promised to never leave us or forsake us. He is always right by our side. We have no need to fear because He is always so near.
In a moment of just absolute gratitude, I have to look up and say;
Thank you, God, for your constant caring eye that always watches over us.
Thank you also that no matter how alone we feel in a situation, we really are never alone. Please help us to remember that you are always, always there, guiding us and protecting us along life’s rugged paths.
He is so worthy to be praised for His unfailing love!
Psalm 18:28 (TPT)
28 God, all at once you turned on a floodlight for me! You are the revelation-light in my darkness, and in your brightness, I can see the path ahead.
Matthew 28:20 (NLT)
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
John 6:37-38 (MSG)
35-38 Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
Deuteronomy 33:26 (NLT)
26 “There is no one like the God of Israel.[a]He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor.
Psalm 115:9 (NLT)
9 O Israel, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.
