God Speaking

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

(Matthew 28: 20)

I have been just reading an article on the tragic, effects loneliness has on people and in this present time of isolation and restrictions to social gatherings in our communities due to the pandemic, it is becoming increasingly obvious how widespread this is. Old people, and those living alone are being overwhelmed with sad thoughts and becoming deeply depressed.  

When Jesus was leaving his disciples, he knew they had each other, but he also knew they were going to be lost without him so his beautiful gift to them, and to those who would believe in him, was to fill them with his Holy Spirit to be with them for always (Matthew 28:20).

He also knew that we would not be able to make it through life on our own, so he graciously gave us his Holy Spirit to dwell right in our hearts. 

“We know that we live in him and he lives in us, because he has given us his Spirit.” (1 John 4: 13)

So, we are never alone. 

“he anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts, as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (2 Corinthians 1: 22)

When we know that Christ’s Spirit dwells with us, now wherever we are, we can share that Spirit with others so they too do not feel alone. Thanks to modern conveniences we can still even though rules of in person gatherings are restricted, use the telephone/ Face time/Zoom send letters to those not familiar with computers. Just having someone contact us is a huge blessing. Even when I am out walking with my mask firmly on. I try to say Good Morning and I wave to neighbors I know. 

The book of Ecclesiastes emphases how important it is to have somebody in your life who cares for you, 

“If one falls down his friend can help him up…” (Ecclesiastes 4: 10)

I read a sweet story about a little boy who was in bed upstairs when a wild, storm started with thunder and lightning and he called out to his parents that he was frightened, They reply, Jesus will keep you safe and he cried out, I want someone with skin on. 

Although we may smile at the little boy’s response, there is a lot of truth to how often we and lots of lonely ones agree with the little boy. We can be the “skin on” for others and bring the warmth of Jesus Christ through looking out for others especially the lonely and shut in. 

Jesus also gave us the beautiful gift of being considered his friend and one of my old, favorite hymns has that title. 

What a friend we have in Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer

So, these words assure us, we are never alone!