Loneliness . Isolation. Feeling like no one cares. Hopelessness or discouragement. How often have we felt that way? You read about it in the Psalms. Many of the Old Testament prophets write about these feelings. We are not alone in dealing with these issues.
I just returned from a mission trip, with 17 other men, to Puerto Rico. In the midst of serving the local church there and helping communities that needed physical labor, I felt the greatest needs of these people were hope, compassion, friendship, partnership, and knowing they are not alone. We sought to bring Christ’s presence and His steadfast love into each situation. I believe we made great strides with the people we served. Only in eternity will we know the depth and breadth of our days there.
Reflecting on these thoughts made me go to the Scriptures. So often God reminds us of His presence, His love and His sufficiency. Meditate with me on the following verses:
Hebrews 13:5 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
Colossians 1:27 “…This mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Jeremiah 14:22 “…We have set our hope on You, for You do all these things.”
Psalm 39:7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.”
Psalm 38:9 “O Lord, all my longing is before You, and my sighing is not hidden from You.”
Isaiah 49:15,16 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold I have engraved you on the palms of My hand…”
The verses that stood out to me so strongly were Luke 12:6,7; “We’re not five sparrows sold for two cents? YET NOT ONE OF THEM ARE FORGOTTEN BEFORE GOD. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are numbered. Do not fear; you are MORE VALUABLE than many sparrows.”
Indeed we are valuable in God’s eyes. He loves us as much as His own Son. Do not despair. “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him” Psalm 42:5.