I was sharing this thought with our prayer group in church Tuesday: This past Monday I wrote about how, as God’s children, we need one another, about how important it is for us to always make an effort to encourage one another. I also mentioned those we hear from time to time declare that the only One they need in order to stay encouraged is the Lord. Unfortunately, believers such as these, although they are lacking in common sense and Christian charity, are correct. Nevertheless, this eternal truth does not diminish the importance of our need of one another. Neither does it change God’s will in this matter. From the beginning of time, He said that it was not good for man to be alone. (see Genesis 2:18) The Lord wants us to encourage one another as often as we can. In fact, when we share His word with others, we are in a position not only to encourage them, but perhaps comfort and strengthen them as well. Paul wrote this in his letter to the Romans: “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” (Romans 1:12 New Living Translation)
That being said, the day will come when, for whatever reason, we will find ourselves all alone. In the psalms, David spoke of this situation often. He wrote in Psalms 27:10: “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” This is a reminder that sometimes even those who are the closest and dearest to us will not be around. It is at times like these when we will need an extra dose of God’s grace upon our lives. This will be the time when we will have to trust and cling to Him like never before. Without His grace at such times, our faith could be shattered. Many people have succumbed to situations such as these and have never come back to the relationship they once enjoyed with the Lord. Perhaps you may know of one or two.
If you are presently in a situation where it seems that the whole world is against you, let me remind you that you are not completely alone, even though it may appear that way. David, and many other believers after him, experienced situations like these on many occasions, yet the Lord always sustained and restored him. He will do the same for you, just trust Him. One more thing, however, and even though it is true: when the Lord comes through for you please don’t tell others that the only one you’ll ever need in order to stay encouraged is the Lord. This will never encourage anybody.
God’s promise for today: (Isaiah 41:13) “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.”
