Never Alone

In the early days of this pandemic, I was preoccupied with the word, “alone.” My heart grieved reading the stories of patients who were critically-ill without the comforting presence of family. Fears of my own loved ones being similarly sick and separated from me disrupted my sleep. As my husband and I discussed plans for his isolation from the rest of the family if he contracted the virus while caring for patients, I broke down crying. “I am so afraid of you getting sick and being alone.”

The moment I said it out loud, I knew the word “alone” masked the truth. As Believers, we are never alone.

God with Us

It is a beautiful thing as the Body of Christ to be the hands and feet of Jesus, attending to the comfort and physical needs of one another. But even when we cannot reach one another, in our quietest, most solitary of times, Christ Himself is present with us. We are never alone.

Matthew begins and ends his Gospel with the assurance that Christ is “God with us.”

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” (which means, God with us).
(Matthew 1:23)

“And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20)

The presence of the Lord with His people is central to the story of the Bible — from the intimacy of the Garden of Eden to the presence of the Lord in the Temple among the Israelite’s, from the physical incarnation of Christ to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, God is with us.

King David knew the closeness of the Lord in seasons of heartache. He wrote, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Similarly, Jesus taught “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:2-4)

Weathering the Storm

A thoughtful message by an unknown author was recently shared on social media recognizing that, while we are all in the storm of this pandemic together, we are not all “in the same boat.” Our individual experiences differ greatly. For some, the pandemic has meant painful loneliness. For others, it is too much togetherness. It has brought financial insecurity, the loss of a job, or hunger to many. This pandemic has meant severe illness for many patients, and exhausting, high-risk work for health care workers. And for many families, it has meant the loss of loved ones and the grief that follows.

While each of us may be weathering this storm “in a different boat,” Christ walks out across the stormy waters towards every one of us.

“But the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.  And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”… And when [Jesus and Peter] got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
(Matthew 14:24-27, 32-33)

Your pandemic-weathering boat may be crowded right now, with family juggling both work and school in the same space every day. Or you may be alone in your boat, weathering trials your neighbors know nothing about. Regardless of your unique burdens in this storm, know that Jesus is walking out to join you. Invite Him in.

Peace accompanies His presence.

As Jesus got into the boat, the wind ceased. The presence of Christ brings peace.

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
(John 14:27)

Sometimes, the storm rages on around us. Jesus was very clear that we should expect trouble in this life — tribulation. Jesus spoke to His disciples of His peace at a time when His crucifixion was still ahead and their own trials were only beginning. However, He also assured them that He would never leave them, and that, soon, the Holy Spirit would be sent as to equip them, comfort them, and intercede on their behalf.

 In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33b)

This month, when the news is heavy and the future uncertain, I’ve been reaching for Psalm 121 and hymns like In Christ Alone to ground myself in truth. I am not alone. Not one of His children is alone, today or any day ahead.

Take heart, we are not alone.