Have you ever asked this question? Have you ever felt so alone, maybe even felt abandoned, so far from the Lord? In those times, because I believe we’ve all faced them at some point, do you remember His Word? What does He say?
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ (Revelation 21:3-5)
When you read those words – the dwelling place of God is with man – then if you are feeling far from God, it wasn’t He who has walked away. I do believe that sometimes we aren’t always aware of where our feet are leading us. We do get off our path or go down rabbit trails we shouldn’t. Point should be… when this happens, stop! Take a bearing on where you are so you can return to where you need to be. No one needs to compound the problem.
It seems to be always when we are at our lowest that our defenses fail us. We look inward rather than reaching outward to the Lord. Remember Paul’s lament about the thorn in his side?
“but He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.’ Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, AMP)
I love Paul’s response to what the Lord told him – I will boast in my weaknesses. Most of us attempt to cover over or hide our weaknesses but Paul boasts SO THAT the power of Christ may dwell in me. Granted it may seem impossible to boast in those times… but how does moaning help us? And most of us have our eyes in the wrong place and see only our plight. We cry out – where are you Lord, but He hasn’t moved – He’s still right there. It is our eyesight and what we see.
I am definitely NOT dismissing the feeling. Of course we can feel alone, a bit frightened, and whatever else we feel. And feelings are real to us. But at some point we have to face the fact that we are/were wrong – He has been with us throughout and it’s time to face whatever we think is happening. Why do we assume the worse rather than remembering all the times He has demonstrated that He is with us?
There is a wonderful song that can bring great comfort at this time you’re going through…
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” Rogers and Hammerstein
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
You really aren’t alone or abandoned. … remember the Father’s words to and for us that begin in Genesis and are stated innumerable times throughout the Bible:
“…for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” (Hebrews 13:5, AMP)
