Fear Notናሙና

Fear Not: Isolation

Trusting in the God who will not leave you or forsake you

The fear that we are alone in the world is enough to bring us to our knees. While at some points in life that fear might feel more philosophical, there are other times when it feels distinctly human. Your mother has passed. Your children are grown. Your best friend is in another state. The seat beside you on the couch is empty. Being alone is scary, and being lonely can be even scarier. 

It raises the question…Is there One who will never leave us?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

God will never leave you nor forsake you. You are not alone. You have never been alone. But it is not just one verse in Deuteronomy on which we stake our hope; this promise is woven throughout the whole Bible!

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20)

“…neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)

And this barely even scratches the surface. God has always wanted to be with His people. He walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden. When they had to leave the Garden, God made a promise that it would not always be so. He would make a way - a way to be with His people. And when the time was right, Jesus, born of Mary, became Immanuel, “God with us.” 

But how is Jesus with us today? Through His Spirit! It is a beautiful mystery. By His Spirit, Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. (Be sure to read Ephesians 3:16-19!) 

Today as you read the Scriptures that follow, if you are physically alone or emotionally lonely, look for the promises. God is with you. If you need comfort, if you need peace, if you need a listening ear, He is there.