Never Alone

Few things are worse than being alone! Every problem looks bigger when faced without a friend. Working on a task with a team makes the work much less tedious; the results so much better. At our church yesterday, I watched dozens of interactions between friends.  People laughed as they shared happy moments from the week. A few hugged as they comforted each other.  Groups worked together to make ministry happen.  Singers and musicians combined to lead us in worship.  In the afternoon, three of us went to a nursing home to sing and bring the Word to residents there. Another team led our students in worship last night.  Our kids were taught and loved by yet another team!

There are times in life when there is no other person on earth who can help lift the burden. But, yet we are never alone, if we know God. Jesus promises every Christian that the Holy Spirit is not only with us, He lives in us.  On the night before His crucifixion, the Lord gathered the twelve and prepared them for the dark days that He knew were coming their way. "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:16-18, NIV)  When fear rises in the night, the Spirit is there. When challenges come at Noon, He is there. When you are successful and ready to celebrate, He is there, too!  When heartbreak shatters you, He is there.

He is our Counselor.  Some Bible translations say, “Comforter.” Others say, “Friend.”  In the language of the original text, Koine Greek, the word is “parakletos,” and it described a friend who showed up alongside of a person in time of need to speak on their behalf.  God, the Holy Spirit, is there, at our side, all the time. We are never alone!  Yes, having friends is a blessing and we should work to build and maintain ties with those we love and who love us.  Being on teams at work or in ministry is a blessing of inestimable value.  But, the ever-present Spirit is a treasure, a rich resource, a great comfort.  Let us never ignore Him or push Him away with our doubt or disobedience.

In the story of the ancient Jewish people, their sins had become such that God needed to bring correction. He did so with an invading army that decimated the land.  It was a terrible time, of great suffering, yet even then they were not completely forsaken.  They felt like they were. It looked like God had forgotten them, but He said otherwise. "But the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and affliction for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes, and you will hear a voice say, “This is the way; turn around and walk here.” (Isaiah 30:18-21, NLT)

Take the principle of that passage to heart today.  Even in times of His discipline, He will not leave us alone. He is our waiting Father, calling to us, desiring our return to the embrace of His love.  Listen for the voice of the Spirit Who even today is saying, “This is the way; turn around and walk here.”

Here’s a familiar Psalm. Read it prayerfully, carefully, faithfully – then live the promise.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
(Psalm 23, NIV)

_________

Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Savior like a Shepherd lead us,

Much we need Thy tender care.

In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,

For our use Thy folds prepare.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,

Be the Guardian of our way.

Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,

Seek us when we go astray.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

Hear thy children when they pray.

Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,

Hear Thy children when they pray.

Dorothy A. Thrupp | William Batchelder Bradbury

Public Domain