WATCHWORD:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee Deuteronomy 31:6
Meditation:
Alone but Not Alone
Joni Erickson Tada wrote and performed the song, Alone but Not Alone, that made its way to the top of the Christian music charts and into a movie by that same name. When I listen to the words and the music of that song I cannot help but be reminded how true it is. God is with us, God is for us, God loves us. There is no doubt in that.
At a most crucial time in the life of Jesus, as a man walking the earth, facing eminent crucifixion, He asked God the Father to give all believers the Holy Spirit, as a Friend and Guide. And so, in reality, we may feel we are alone, but if our faith is strong, there’s no question that our Helper, the Holy Spirit, is there with us. Closer than a brother or sister, sharing wisdom and strength.
How many of us fully understand the Power and the Graces of the Triune God that we worship? Is this a constant presence, or does our ego step in and the power and graces of the Holy Spirit simply fade into the background, as we follow our will and get bogged down by our own decisions?
Jesus, in the last hours of his life on earth, promised the “Helper”, the “Friend”, the Holy Spirit would reside within us as spiritual support and guidance. It is through faith that we live that promise, knowing that there will always be a time when we can say, “Alone but not Alone.” We live by faith and not by sight. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
(This meditation was originally posted as an essay on August 15, 2022.)
Closer Than a Brother:
Following a conversation with a friend on the topic of the presence of God in our daily lives, he gave me a little book that I, in turn, recommend to you: Closer Than a Brother by David Winter. A sub-title tells the reader that it is a reinterpretation of the great devotional classic, “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence was a Carmelite monk who labored in a monastery kitchen in the late 1600’s and had a commitment to talk with coworkers and write letters to people with real problems. Those who knew him said he was a man who walked with God and his writings reflected an uncanny sense of God’s presence. This little book has spiritual depth and meaning, a devotional worth your pray time.
— Stan Escott
Closing Prayer:
All-powerful God, there are times when my life’s burdens seem heavy and overwhelming, and at first I struggle along, alone, before I realize You are right here, beside me. Help me Lord to abide in You to give me the strength I need to raise up and to carry on and to overcome. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
