Do you ever feel alone in the world? Like no one really deeply tracks with you or understands what is going on in your heart and life?
I sometimes feel that way, too. I recently read this devotional written by a friend and mentor in his new book, entitled The Way Back from Loss: Reassembling the Pieces of a Broken Life, by Wayne Hastings. To be honest, there's not been a recent loss or devastating disappointment in my life recently--I just find myself at times, feeling alone.
I've included here Day 2 entitled "You're Never Alone"-may it speak directly to your heart as it did mine...
You’re Never Alone
"If I want to have the spirit of Christ in me, the motto of my life must be: Everything made subject, and swallowed up in Him, ‘that God may be all in all.’"[i] —Andrew Murray
Today’s Verse: “He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5b AMP)
God is always with us and will help us through every tough situation we face. He’s not behind us, pushing us. He’s not running quickly ahead and begging us to play catch-up. He’s with us. He’s alongside of us gently nurturing, directing, and guiding us as we trust in Him.
The writer of the book of Hebrews uses some strong words in today’s verse. Many times people confine this statement to material wealth or accumulation of goods. Doing so puts the writer’s words in a box. God is saying to us that things of this world (which could mean possessions or our feelings of loss, bitterness, and anger) aren’t important to our contentment. What is important is knowing deep in our hearts that God will never fail us or leave us.
The writer uses specific words that tell us God will never let us down, abandon us, leave us helpless, or relax His hold on us. He uses three negatives as emphasis. “I will NOT,” he nearly yells to get our full attention.
Jesus spoke of this when He said in Matthew 28:20, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (NRSV). He promises His disciples, and He promises us, that He won’t leave us until we see Him in eternity.
God may not give you an answer to your situation right now. You may never understand all the whys and wherefores until you’re with Him in heaven and He can explain it personally. He does, however, assure us that we can put our absolute trust in Him. He does assure us that He’s alongside of us, helping us with our pain.
We must rest in Him and know that God’s way is best and that His presence is always with us.
INSIGHT: In spite of the loneliness, separation, and feelings of pain and loss, God promises He will never leave us. He literally holds on to us, if we let Him.
PRAYER: Ask God to show you the steps you need to take today to trust Him more. Ask Him to help you feel His presence and His complete hold on you. Surrender yourself to Him and the support He has waiting for you.
LIFE CHOICES:
Study Habakkuk 3:12–16, Psalm 37:5, and 2 Timothy 1:12. When do you feel as though you are not in God’s hand? How do these verses assure you that you can put your absolute trust in Him?
Understand that God will not go back on His word and character. God is always seeking to put you in the palm of His hand. He is always seeking to wrap His arms around you. He will not relax His hold on you. Your responsibility is to trust that He will do it.
Discover all the ways that God’s presence can help you in time of loss. He is closer than you think. He has loved you before you were born; now is the time to discover His unfailing presence and support.
