God Has Not Forgotten You: When Life Is Turned Upside Downಮಾದರಿ

You Are Not Alone

On the morning of October 29, 2012, hundreds of thousands of people in portions of the Caribbean, the mid-Atlantic, and northeastern United States faced their worst nightmare—“Superstorm Sandy.” This post-tropical cyclone with hurricane-force winds and its unusual merge with a frontal system affected 24 states. Families everywhere, especially in hard-hit New Jersey and New York, were jolted out of normalcy and the comfort and security of the homes and communities they once knew, thrust suddenly and unwillingly into the darkness and despair of loss.

Maybe today you are in the midst of unspeakable sorrow due to the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, a frightening medical diagnosis, or some other discouraging life challenge. Remember this–God is with you. Even if you do not feel near to Him, God is there. He promises to never leave you alone; therefore, wherever you are, God is. He was with you before, is with you now, and will be with you after the challenges you are currently facing. He will never lose sight of you or your suffering. Even as you ponder how you will make it through this, God is there…loving you beyond understanding, holding you up, and making a way where it seems there is no way. Reach out to Him today; He is a very present help in times of trouble (see Psalm 46:1).

Taking back your life

1. Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT) says, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” What assurance can you find in these verses of Scripture when you feel God has forgotten you?
2. In Psalm 23, David pictured the Lord as the Great Shepherd who provides for and protects His sheep (His children). In verse 4, he said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” A shepherd uses his rod to protect his sheep (by using it to beat off wild beasts), and he uses his staff to guide them. What comfort can you find in knowing that God will protect and guide you during this difficult time?
3. In addition to needing God’s presence in our lives, we also need each other. Talk with a family member or friend about the way you are feeling, so that you can share each other’s burdens and not feel so alone.