April 19, 2012
You Are Never Alone!
Transformational Thought
One of my favorite childhood TV shows was
Gilligan’s Island. Did I ever have a crush on Maryanne! The cast had fun
adventures with different strangers on the island, and constructed modern day
amenities out of coconuts and palm tree leaves. But the most important item
they had was really each other. By contrast, in the movie “Castaway,” Tom Hanks
was stranded on an island by himself and went crazy.
Do you ever feel as if you are stranded on an
island, all alone? The other day, I had a very difficult decision to make. The
initial sense that came to me was “Wow, I have no help from anyone else, this
is all on me, and me alone.” I felt isolation and loneliness … not really
sensing anyone around to help me. I was in it by myself and had to bear the
burden of getting all the info and making the decision, as well as the responsibility
of bearing any consequences of making a wrong decision all by myself.
Whenever I am in the midst of one of life’s
storms, I have this overwhelming feeling of loneliness … of being alone. Like I
am on an island all by myself. Unable to ask questions, brainstorm with others,
without anyone to encourage or comfort me. I can’t even see a ship or another
island around providing the hope of some help. I can be standing in the middle
of a crowded room yet feel completely alone.
We have all experienced loneliness. In fact many
people struggling with depression feel as though they are alone most of the
time. They often feel that no one cares or understands … as though even God is
distant and unavailable, punishing us for not pursuing Him. When I was a kid, I
often thought He was concerned with more important things in the world than my
trivial life and frustrations.
Being a psychiatrist, I have many medical books
about healing in my bookshelf, but the most accurate and powerful book is the
Holy Bible. When I am feeling alone, I look in the Bible for the truth. Then I
try to uncover the issues, distortions, or misinterpretations that influence me
to believe the lie that God is not right there with me.
You may feel alone, but the truth, the actual
reality, is that God is always with you. Here are just a few of His promises: I
am with you (Genesis 28:15). I walk with you (Leviticus 26:12). I am near you
(Psalm 34:18). I hold your right hand (Isaiah 41:13). I carry you even into old
age (Isaiah 46:4).
You see, Satan has been pounding away at you
since your first breaths to trick you into believing that: 1. God doesn’t
exist; 2. If He does exist, He’s too busy for you; 3. If He isn’t too busy, then
you’re not good enough yet; or 4. God is mean and punitive and has sent you to
the dungeon or corner of life indefinitely.
Today, identify what lies you believe when you
are under stress, like believing God is not with you. You must identify it or
it will keep on influencing you. You need to practice debunking that lie,
because you practiced believing the wrong way many times. Replace it with the
truth so you can be encouraged by reading these scriptures and others like
them. Write your favorites down and put them where you see them all the time.
Speak them aloud. Substitute your own name for the word “you”. God says, I am
with (your name) … I walk with (your name) … I am near (your name). God is
speaking these promises to you personally. Remember … you are never alone.
Jesus is with you. He is with you this moment. He will be with you tonight … and
tomorrow. He will be with you through the good times and bad. He will never
leave you. It’s your decision what you believe about God’s presence, so choose
well. WITHIN REACH will help you uncover
the lies you believe and practice replacing them with truth.
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You for Your many promises
to be with me … always. Help me believe Your promises more than I believe my
feelings. I pray, Father, for all those within the Stepping Stones community
who feel they are alone. Help them dig to uncover the lies about You. Reveal
Your presence in a powerful way. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the
One who is always with me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
The LORD is there to rescue all who are
discouraged and have given up hope.
Psalm 34:18
