December 17

Never Alone 

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 142:1-7 | Nahum 1:1-3:19 | Rev.8:1-13 | Proverbs 30:7-9

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 142

“Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life” (Psalms 142:4 NIV).

Christmas can be a lonely time. Memories of family and friends who are no longer with us haunt us especially this time of the year. Separation from those you love when you’d rather be “home for Christmas” brings a sense of loneliness. Singles sometimes feel left out and lonely this time of year. Even in the midst of the crowds, it is common to feel lonely this time of year.

The psalmist found himself in a lonely place where he felt abandoned. His spirit was growing faint and he was losing hope. Lonely, abandoned and feeling helpless he cries out to God. Tempted to self pity, he looks to find the one he knows is his ultimate refuge.

“I cry to you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need’”(5-6).

He somehow finds hope between verse 4, “I have no refuge” and verse 5, “you are my refuge.” Often in our desperate cries for help when we are just about to give up, hope mysteriously appears. Our eyes turn from our problems and ourselves to the one who is our hope.

Lonely? Cry out to the one who brings hope. Cry out to the one who is your refuge. Look to him for strength, for help, for hope.

Jesus, Emmanuel, thanks for being with us in this season. Bring comfort to the grieving. Remind the lonely of your great love for them. Make us all aware of your presence and bring joy, peace and hope. Amen.