Held Close in the Storm
Mercy sakes alive, friend, come out of the heat and right on up here through the ol’ creaky screen door. Now then, git yourself settled in real good on this ol’ front porch before your thoughts start to scurryin’ around like lil’ ol’ field mice havin’ a feast up in a corn sack. Loneliness can come slippin’ in about as quiet as mighty thick fog over an open pasture. One minute you’re plum surrounded by people, and the next your heart feels downright emptier than a deserted church parking lot on Monday mornin’. But Acts 27:23-24 gives us some mighty comfortin’ encouragement tellin’ us, “For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’” That plum means that Paul sho’-nuff’ was in a storm, but he wasn’t alone and sho’-nuff’ helps us to realize that we’re not gonna be alone either.
David downright knew that truth, too. Psalm 27:10 says, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” And Deuteronomy 31:8 promises, “He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you.” So, when your soul feels like a lil’ ol’ lone calf bawlin’ somewhere beyond the barn after dark, remember that God’s nearness don’t depend on whether you can feel it, or not.
Paul plum knew prison walls, angry crowds, storms, and long stretches of uncertainty. Yet, again and again, the Lord downright reminded him, “I am here.” God didn’t always remove the trouble. He did something a whole lot deeper. He stayed right there with Paul.
That may be the lesson loneliness teaches the best. God’s presence ain’t always loud. Sometimes it comes about as quiet as moonlight siftin’ right through pine branches, real steady and faithful. He may not take away every ache immediately, but He sho’-nuff’ will hold you close enough to plum carry you through it.
Father, thank You that I am never alone. When my heart feels forgotten or weary, help me remember that You are near. Quiet my fears, steady my spirit, and let Your Word speak louder than my loneliness. Teach me to rest in Your faithful presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now then, friend, straighten that ol’ worn-out porch cushion, grab your courage real tight, and head right on back into the day like a lil’ ol’ creek that sho’-nuff’ knows exactly where it’s goin’ even when the woods get real thick. Don’t be lettin’ loneliness fool you into thinkin’ Heaven has done lost your address. The Lord is nearer than your next breath, steadier than an ol’ oak tree in a real hard wind, and kinder than warm mornin’ light after a long night. Walk right on knowin’ you are sho’-nuff’ seen, held, and never once left all alone by yourself.
With joy,
Gwen
