God’s Providential Care!

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” 2 Timothy 4:17

As John Donne said, “No man is an island entire unto himself.” It doesn’t matter who you are, what your background is, or how much money someone has; if you have a good heart and soul, loneliness can never be your companion, how much more if you are a child of God. Of course, friends and family may forsake you despite your good heart, but God cannot forsake you. As 1 Thessalonians 5:9 said, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God’s love is the only thing that will save us from this darkness of loneliness. If you have been sad or angry about a situation when you think you were alone without God, remember this: he was near to your heart, and the angel surrounded you. Being a part of the family of God certainly has its advantages. When things are tough, we look to a brother or sister to offer comfort. However, sometimes, whether by oversight or malice, we may feel no one cares. Circumstances seem to chase everyone away, and loneliness becomes our only companion. I pray that loneliness will not be your companion in Jesus’ name.

Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Paul felt this way during the later years of his life. In prison, Paul asked God to forgive those who abandoned him once again for preaching the gospel. Knowing that God had a plan to share the good news using a shackled older man, Paul kept preaching. Amid his loneliness, Paul kept preaching. Although Paul stared death in the face, he kept preaching. God never left Paul. He gave Paul the strength to continue proclaiming Christ’s love.

Even if others run away when we need them most, God will meet us amid and above our needs. There are days you will be depressed, and no one will be there to understand a glimpse of what is going on within you; only God can comfort you at that point. When we face loneliness or the very moment of death, we can trust Him. He will always stand with His children. Remember, Jesus said, “I will never leave thee” (Heb. 13:5). That’s the word of the Lord when He says, “He will never leave you,” He meant it. Genesis 28:15 says, “Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Prayer:
1. Father, thank You for reminding me that You are with me and sustaining me when I feel alone.
2. Dear God, help me to be strong in my faith.
3. Please help me know that you are with me and give me strength.