We awoke to a beautiful layer of pure white snow covering everything this morning!  It looks so peaceful outside, and I love the imagery a fresh snow evokes – especially knowing it won’t last long as spring’s warming temps will soon take over. It’s been a busy week here again, as well as by you I’m sure, so that scene outside evokes a welcome and calming respite from the hustle and bustle of life and all its stressors. And I simply wish each of you a fresh new start to another busy new week with many blessings!

There are times we feel as though we’re all alone… especially as we face various difficulties in life.  We may not want to burden anyone else with our concerns and troubles thinking they have enough of their own.  Yet, even the best of friends may say, “I wish I had known what you’ve been going through.  Always know that I’m here for you to lean on.”  It’s simply what a friend does… being available, while allowing time and space without demanding time for themselves.

As I thought about this poem and the various difficulties we all may face in life, memories came back of when our oldest daughter, Jennifer, spent her first month at Houghton College.  Poor girl!  She was so homesick, a bit shy, and feeling very alone.  I had embroidered her favorite Bible verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) within a floral design, framed it, and left the package on top of her pillow… but had also hidden a bag of her favorite candy underneath her pillow as I made up her bed – which became a favorite tradition for all three of our children.  Unfortunately, as much as the gifts meant to her, she cried even harder on finding those treasures… precious reminders of the family she missed so much. 

She struggled to consider anything fun early on.  Overwhelmed by this new venture, she even struggled initially to make new friends.  We kept in touch with her every day for a week, then every other day for a bit; and, before the month was out, had backed off our contact to Sunday afternoons.  She had found the strength to step out, venture forth, and make new friends in her new environment.  She felt secure, loved, and no longer “alone.”  She knew we were there if she needed us, but she was also surrounded by new friends who supported each other very well.

Throughout life though, we may think we’re all alone at times, but we never truly are.  We are cared for and loved by our family and friends; and, most of all, we are loved and cared for by our dear Lord.  He’s the one who ultimately provides even those who gather around us in support… just as we read and find comfort in His promise, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  (Hebrews 13:5)

Life is all about learning to live with new challenges and continuous change.  It can unnerve the best of us as we face life’s difficulties, upheavals and rough roads.  We long for comfort and guidance on our journey.  Yet, there are times we must go through those difficulties for our own growth rather than have them removed right away just because we prayed. 

And often we find that it’s in the storms that a special blessing of comfort and protection comes our way from the Lord, and we personally learn He will not leave us all alone.  For, as Isaiah 41:13 so fittingly says, “I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  What comfort! 

So, not only are we never truly alone, but God takes our hand and walks with us to calm and reassure our anxious heart.  He provides family and friends who come alongside us in visible loving support!

When our second daughter, Emily, left for Houghton College, I embroidered her favorite verse:  “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”  (Psalm 121:1, 2)  Throughout the rest of the psalm, we find even more comfort for “He will not let your foot slip… The Lord watches over you… The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”  (Psalm 121: 3-8)

When it was time for our son, Dan, to make his way to Houghton, his favorite verse was also embroidered and framed:  “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”  (Ephesians 6:10)

As the Lord takes hold of our hand He encourages us to “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified, because…the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

What peace and comfort in all these verses!  Know that you are not alone… ever!   

I Am Not Alone

Linda A. Roorda

I am not alone when the storms rage fierce

For You are here to comfort and bless

And lest I forget Your love is boundless

You said You’ll not leave, You’ll never forsake.

I am not alone when all else has failed

For in my need I humbly entreat

From depths of pain I cry out to You

Come near to me and remove fear’s grasp.

I am not alone when fear envelopes

In the darkest night when invading thoughts

Challenge my soul with anxious frets

It’s then You calm with comforting peace.

I am not alone when I take the reins

You walk alongside to guide me in truth

Whenever I think I can handle life

You gently remind whose child I am.

I am not alone in the joy that whelms

When raging seas no longer hold fears

For within the storm Your voice reassures

You’ll never leave, You’ll never forsake.

~~

2015