One thing that always threatens us is the false perception that we are all alone; that “nobody knows the struggle I’ve seen; nobody knows my sorrow.” Such thinking always puts us in a very dark place that isolates us from the very help and solace we need. It leads us to despair and then to hopelessness. Feeling forever defeated, we give up on dreams, on loved ones, even on life itself.

One thing that always comforts us and brings us hope is that even in times of struggle – especially in such difficult times – that we are not alone at all. God cares about your struggles and so do others, even if they find it hard to express or you find it hard to receive their helpful gestures. Even in times that seem like a dry desert, a wilderness that lacks clear direction, in times of dire distress when you can’t find comfort, when you’re so weary and have no words to express your pain and sorrow and disappointment – even in these times you are not alone. You may feel God has abandoned you or that he ignores your requests. It may seem like he has forgotten you or is angry with you.

The psalmist felt this way too. His response? He cried out loud to God. He turned from his present and past problems to the one who knows his future. He meditated and remembered that God is God, even in the midst of his troubles.  He appealed to God, remembering his history of faithfulness to his people, his wondrous and miraculous works. After acknowledging his very real pains it seems the turning point for him is recognizing:

“Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?” Psalm 77:13

How true is that for us also! Acknowledging in the middle of our troubles and challenges that our God is a sovereign and caring God. Where else would we turn for help? Our money, our abilities, our health, our friends and family – all are temporary. Only God has the lasting answers to our woes. Even the worst of earthly storms answer to him.

“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.” (v 19)

Even when we cannot see the footprints of God or fathom the moving of his hand among us, even when it seems his ways might not be better than ours, our God is our God. Everything we have ever faced, what we face now, and everything we will ever encounter, is subject to him.

Take a moment to remember how God has specifically moved in the past to protect and provide for you. Ponder the names of people he has put in your path to help and comfort you. Recall how he has helped you to endure and persevere and overcome your past challenges. Write these down and imagine how this same mighty and faithful God will carry out his promises to protect and provide for you in the future, even as he comforts you now.

We are not alone.  Remember God and remember his faithful promises. God – our God – has adopted us into his family and will never leave us. He sees us where we are and leads us through even the valley of the shadow of death. He understands our worries, doubts, and fears. He is calling right now:

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The question for each of us is, “How will I respond to his call right now?”