We are Never Alone

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 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: 1-6

So much of what we experience in life is affected in large part (positively or negatively) by our perspective and attitude. Often those around us may never realize that their words (actions) are extenuating our pain and suffering. As we take time to reflect upon this holiday season and enter into the new year, it is beneficial for us all to prayerfully consider these recent conversations and interactions.

Instead of focusing on how we felt let’s ask ourselves these questions.

Learning to Be Other-Oriented

How sensitive were we as we interacted with family, friends, and others during these celebratory events? Were we conscious that amongst us were those individuals who were perhaps grieving the loss of a loved one? Or maybe they were feeling alone and lonely because their family was out of state. Others too just feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of surface talk and long for a real in-depth conversation with a person who might understand their struggles.

God is Always with Us

It’s true we can be amongst our dear ones and still feel isolated and alone at times. But it is at this critical juncture that the comforting truth found in Psalm 23 can offer every one of us an eternal and promising perspective. We are not alone…even in our loneliness for God has promised that He will meet our every need…and that includes our emotional wellbeing, our spiritual wellbeing, and our relational wellbeing.

God Promises to Meet Our Every Need

He never leaves us alone. What a promise! What a Savior! God’s Word assures us through every line of Psalm 23 that He will attend to us intentionally, consistently, effectively, and that nothing will ever separate us from His love.

Thoughts to Ponder When We Feel Alone

When I feel alone and lonely, I will turn to the Lord and talk with Him about what I am feeling. Then, I will call a good friend or a family member and invite them to meet with me. I won’t make the mistake of waiting for others to take the initiative with me, I will step out and invite hospitality in wherever I go.

1. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. I will spend time this week looking at various biblical characters’ lives who trusted in the Lord to deliver them out of trouble. Then, I will prayerfully remind myself that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. If God helped deliver the biblical men and women out of their trouble, he will deliver me.
2. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Each day this week, I’ll write down every concern or problem that I am facing. Next, I’ll look up specific bible passages that bring me comfort for each challenging situation. I’ll meditate on these promises daily (and into the night hours).
3. You are my strength, come quickly to help me. I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. At the close of the week, I will spend time reflecting on how you met my every need and answered my prayers even if they were answered differently than I had hoped. If I feel confused or disappointed, I will place my trust in the knowledge that you always want what is best for me.