NEVER ALONE

 

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (Hebrews 13:5)

Ministry can be lonely business.  Faithful friendships are hard to find.  There is such a spirit of competitiveness and jealousy among many pastors that discovering a peer with whom you can share your heart is rare.  Sometimes we may find friendship in our congregation, but do we feel the need to be guarded to some degree?  There are things that others have told us in confidence where counsel might be helpful, but would seem a violation of trust to discuss.  We will face criticism and attacks at times that are burdens hard to bear alone, but we may not want to share with even our spouse, lest we sour their attitude about others.  Yet, we need somebody.  Where can we turn? 

Jesus had promised to be with us—and He is enough!  His unerring wisdom will be our counsel.  His unfailing power will be our strength.  His unwavering love will be our comfort.  His unending presence will be our joy.  There is no mountain too steep, and no valley too low; there is no river too wide, and no darkness too deep—but our Savior walks with us.  We are never alone!

So today, if you are carrying a heavy load—and as a pastor that is a high probability—cast your care on the One that is an ever-present help in time of trouble.  The old hymn underscores this:

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, trying to conquer my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of Jesus, telling me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

Paul knew this reality.  Mediate on his testimony:

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.  But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!  (2 Timothy 4:16-18)