I had just had some blood work done, and the cheerful technician excused me from the chair I was sitting in. I gathered up my belongings, careful not to carry anything with the “just bled” arm. I was in a good mood and literally bounced out of the office and back to my car. Reaching with my keys to unlock the door, I suddenly realized my arm was covered in blood, as well as my purse, which had been hanging from my shoulder, and blood dotted my pants and my top as well. The gauzed and bandaged inner elbow was still oozing with fresh blood. I felt a bit panicky, but figured some quick first aid would alleviate the problem. Standing beside my car with my arm raised in the air while I put the needed pressure on the source of my problem, I felt a tad awkward and conspicuous. It was then my thoughts became a little irrational as numerous others strolled past me to their own waiting vehicles. I remembered the guy who went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers who left him half dead. He was passed up by a couple of religious leaders before a total stranger stopped to help him. Not that I really wanted someone to stop and help me, but you would have thought someone’s curiosity at least, would have been aroused.
We can find ourselves in far more serious situations and wonder if someone, anyone, really cares. Those who grieve are often left alone in their sorrow because others are afraid they might say “the wrong thing.” Believers struggling with sin, addictions, divorce, or inappropriate lifestyles, are sometimes treated as if they had some contagious disease. Sometimes life is just overwhelming and we feel we can’t handle one more interruption, one more disappointment, or one more decision that needs to be made. Our own concerns build the walls that the busyness of others seems to add to. Who really cares? Who is willing to extend a helping hand – even just for a short time? For some, the provision of the everyday-kind-of-friend, accountability partners, mentors, or encouragers, is given and the one who was wondering finds someone who will help to bear the load. But for these and for those who truly do seem to walk alone, God can be, and wants to be, constant friend, the voice of guidance and direction, mentor, encourager, and sooo much more.
Dave Branon, who writes for Our Daily Bread, and has known himself situations that could make someone feel very alone, made an interesting statement. He said, “Despite the fact that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, we act as if He’s not there.” Precious daughter of God, you are never alone. Your Father cares for you as no one else fully can. He knows and understands your need, and His promise is to provide. He drew me out of deep waters. The Lord supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.
(Related Bible reading: Psalm 18:16-19)
