"He's ALWAYS There"

By: Zach Wood

Psalm 9:10 (NLT)

Those who know your name trust in you,
       for you, O LORD, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you.

 

 

Many people have started the new year with different emotions.  Some are excited about new changes that have come with the new year.  Then, I'm sure some are disappointed about decisions made from the past year or things they have to deal with coming into a new year.  Whatever the case may be, everyone deals with some kind of emotion when beginning a new year.  You could be like me and not even really feel like a new year has begun.  You know it's 2006, but nothing feels different. 

 

I'm wondering if some of you are feeling depressed as this new year begins?  Perhaps you feel all alone in the world and feel that no one knows your hurt or even understands what you've been going through?  If not you, then maybe you know someone else who is feeling this way.  It doesn't matter whether you're a Christian or not, life brings times of pain and sorrow.  There are people right now that are so lonely they don't know what to do with their lives.  They may feel like ending it all.  Maybe there's a single mom who's reading this devotional right now who wonders if she can handle dealing with four kids all by herself, plus two jobs to make ends meet.  Maybe there's a lonely woman or man who's spouse has left for no apparent reason and is now feeling totally in despair.  Perhaps you are in the middle of a terrible divorce and can't understand why your spouse doesn't love you anymore and wants nothing to do with you and the kids.  Life sometimes hands us extremely hurtful situations without reason.  It's hard to find strength to carry on. 

 

For those who find it hard to regain strength, the answer is found in no one else but Christ Himself.  I was reading this passage in my devotional this morning and it really spoke to my heart.  Those who know the name of the Lord will trust in Him.  He has promised to never abandon His children.  That is a promise!  Believe in it!  Hold onto it!  Don't let go!  What a beautiful passage of Scripture forming the image of Christ always holding onto us through all the storms of life.  He is always there!  He never leaves.  Sometimes we wonder if He has left us in the cold of the night weeping and wailing from our grief and pain. 

 

I don't want this devotional to be sad and depressing, but I want to address the fact that there are hurting people all around us.  Not just people around us, but us ourselves.  We hurt, we grieve, we mourn.  However, the great news is that Christ has promised to NEVER abandon us!  Isn't that wonderful news?  He is our Shepherd.  An ever present help in times of need. 

 

So, maybe this new year has started in a terrible way for you or someone you know.  Life may just not seem joyful at this time.  Take comfort in knowing that Jesus Christ knows your pain.  If you know Him as your Lord and Savior, trust in Him with all your heart and remember that He's there to comfort you.  When friends, acquaintances, and family have all gone home and you're physically alone, remember that He holds you in His arms and will never leave your side.  If this devotional finds some of you in the midst of tiring trials, I hope it can be of some comfort to you.  That is the whole point of writing this.  Or, maybe you know of someone who is going through some awful times and needs you to be there to comfort.

 

If it's you that's hurting, remember that He's always there.  If you're comforting someone else, remind them that He is always there.  The Lord never abandons His children.