Thoughts Along The Journey

One of the daily phrases that we heard at the Global 3C conference was: “You are not alone”!

That statement Alissa shared at the conference can be pulled from numerous texts in the Bible:

Deuteronomy 31:8 – “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Joshua 1:5 – “Just as with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will not leave you or forsake you.”

Matthew 28:20 – “Teaching them observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

Hebrews 13:5 – “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””

This truth certainly “warms” our hearts and comforts us in times of difficulties and struggles.

However, the more important question we need to ask ourselves is: How does this truth work itself more deeply into our hearts?  How does it help us in some small way sense that “peace that passes all understanding” and that guards our hearts and minds in Christ?

Possible answers to that question are not so simple. It would be much easier if one knew that by repeating this truth to oneself or by memorizing Deuteronomy 31:8, things would go much better and one wouldn’t be so anxious at times.

One place to begin is by asking trusted colleagues what it might look like to remember that “I am not alone”; that God goes with me into whatever day or situation I might find myself.

Or you might choose to read one chapter out of Gentle & Lowly by Dane Ortlund and share what you learn with another brother or sister.

Or you might challenge yourself to memorize with a small group the 1^st question of the Heidelberg Catechism.  And then share with each other once a week what you learned from just thinking about the first phrase or the second phrase of the answer to question #1.

Or you might seek to develop the reflex that when a struggle or difficulty arises, and you feel alone that you call another believer and share with them that you are “feeling alone” and need the reminder of His presence.

None of these answers is a “cure all” but they might bring other ideas to mind that would help you to drive this truth more deeply into your heart that: “You are not alone!”

Filed under: God's presence, Gospel |