Vital signs- Wednesday, October 4th, 2023

People everywhere - but still lonely

“…I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrew 13:5).

That great theologian (wink, wink) Jon Bon Jovi once sang “I won’t be alone, but you know that don’t mean I’m not lonely” (Bed of Roses, 1992).

Have you ever been surrounded by people, even family members, but still felt lonely and unseen? Did you know Jesus felt that same pain? On the cross, Jesus cried out “…My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46, NLT). Do you realize Jesus was abandoned and felt completely alone so we would never have to feel that way?

Scripture tells us that Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NLT) and “Since He Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested” (Hebrews 2:18, NLT). Jesus made the same promise to us in the New Testament that God made to Joshua in the Hebrew Scriptures, "…I will never fail you. I will never abandon you" (Deuteronomy 31:6 / Hebrews 13:5, NLT). This is a foundational promise God made repeatedly to His chosen people in the Hebrew Scriptures. The New Testament makes it plain that Jesus cares so much about us that on the cross He took the feeling of abandonment on Himself for us. He then gave us the indwelling Holy Spirit to seal the promise of His presence. King David said, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close” (Psalm 27:10, NLT). “A father to the fatherless, defender of the widows -- this is God in his holy dwelling. God places the lonely in families…” (Psalm 68:5-6, NLT). How does He place us into families today? He does that through the family known as the Body of Christ, the Church—both local and universal. Upon placing our trust in God through the person of Jesus Christ, we become part of His family. We can know and trust in the promise of God’s presence in our lives. God’s promises for us do not end at the grave or even on the doorstep of death. Remember the words of David, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NLT).

How can you remind yourself when you feel alone, that you are not alone? What part of the presence of God in your life do you hold most dear?

Father, thank You for Your promise to never leave me even if I feel alone. Thank you for laying the experience of abandonment on Jesus, so I would never have to fear it.In the name of Jesus, the One who experienced loneliness for me, I pray.

Team Wade loves you and is praying for you ❤️👊