Others are gone and the room is empty. The lights are out and you are engulfed in darkness. The chatter has ceased and all is silent. You are alone with your thoughts, your pain, your doubts, and your fears. And there is a sense of weakness that compels you to cry out to God for help. Thankfully, even when it seems it isn’t so, He is there–ALWAYS!
Sadly, however, we do not always sense His presence. If we can block out the sight of the sun with a penny, it is possible for us to lose sight of the Son’s presence when we are focused on painful problems. The walls seen like a prison, heaven seems as brass, and God seems afar off. What now? It is then that we must rely upon His promise that He will never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). If we are to walk by faith rather than sight we must rest in that revelation. And why not? He has never failed to keep a promise and He cannot lie.
Wherever you are, He is there– an ever present help in time of need. He is at your side and a witness of your suffering–but there is more. Not only is He a witness, He sympathizes with you in your trials. He knows how you feel (Heb. 2:18). As James Smith wrote–“His head has been racked with pain. His heart has been torn with sorrow. His mind has been overwhelmed with darkness and distress, occasioned by the hiding of His Father’s countenance. He understands what you are going through. He will treat you tenderly and lovingly”. But there is more!
As wonderful as all this is, there is something yet more wonderful. Not only does He know and care, He can help. And it helps us to know that! Being conscious of His concern is comforting, sensing His support is strengthening. Being aware that He is able and available empowers us to do what we normally couldn’t do. But there is more—
Not only does He get us through it, He creates something good out of it (Rom. 8:28). The worst thing imaginable can produce the most glorious thing possible. With this blessed assurance we are able to confront any enemy, conquer every foe, control our feelings, and continue on faithfully—in spite of the pain. Knowing that when the worst is over the best is yet to come gives us hope. Living in the awareness of these truths will get you through any day, and one day at a time is all we ever need to be concerned about (Matt. 6:34). You won’t face anything today that God can’t get you through, and the same holds true for every day to come. Think about it!
