A Reminder by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
We can sometimes feel alone, even when surrounded by a room full of people. I felt that way at a service last night, even though adults and children were all around me. It is because my spouse, family, and closest friends were not sitting next to me.
However, this week, the Lord has reminded me of Joshua 1:9 more than once. It says, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. When feeling overwhelmed or isolated, we should remind ourselves of that verse.
One might say, “That’s the Old Testament, and Joshua’s words were an exhortation to the Israelites.” You can find the same promise from Jesus in the New Testament when, after the Great Commission, he commands, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Jesus was with the Israelites then, and He is with us now. God is sovereign and does not change. James confirms that the Lord does not flip flop and remains the same. He is not like a shifting shadow (James 1:17). So when we are feeling alone, it is important to press into the presence of God. Brother Lawrence, who wrote The Practice of the Presence of God said, “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.”
So when I feel especially lonely, I start speaking to the LORD about it, and many times, any sadness I might have evaporates because I realize that I am not alone. God is always with me whether it is in a large crowd or the privacy of my home.
So if you find yourself in uninvited solitude, remember that God is always with you as well. Just call on the name of the LORD, and you will feel His presence in the room.
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