Jesus assured the disciples that although he was going to physically depart that he would continue to be present through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within believers guiding them. As believers we continue to see Jesus at work in our lives through the Holy Spirit and our relationship with Him. Because Jesus was resurrected after dying on the cross to atone our sins, we now have eternal life through Jesus- we “also will live.” 

Today’s scripture also reminds us that we are a part of God’s family as believers. We are no longer lost and alone! What a comfort it is to know that Jesus did not leave us as orphans but is ever present in our lives. We can face the loneliness that life sometimes brings just knowing that the word says in Ephesians 1:5, “He decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.” We are a part of God’s family and as sons and daughters we have all the love and support of our heavenly father as well as all the rights and privileges of children of the King! 

One of the strategies of Satan is to get people to feel as if they are alone, abandoned, isolated, not belonging, and unloved. Loneliness can be so painful! As Christians we are never alone. Still reality is that people do not have to be alone to feel lonesome. You may be suffering the loss of a loved one or missing someone that you are not able to see as often as you would like. People can feel lonely in the midst of a crowd or in cases where they truly have no one to talk to or that can relate to what they are experiencing. You may be at a different stage in life than those around you, or feel that everyone else lives by different beliefs and standards than you. Whatever the circumstance, many people can feel orphaned or abandoned whether they are actually an orphan in the true sense of having lost their parents, or been permanently abandoned by parents. 

You may not have a biological family or parents physically present anylonger, or you may have a void in your life that has left you to feel isolated in some form. Psalms 66:8 states that “God sets the lonely in families.” That may not be a typical family unit. He can knit your heart to others around you and theirs to you. Even if emotionally you feel abandoned by the world, find solace in that the Lord promises “I will not leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the assurance that I am never alone. Even in moments of silence, sorrow, or solitude, You are present with me. Thank You, Jesus, for sending the Holy Spirit to dwell within me and guide me daily. When the enemy whispers lies of abandonment, remind me of Your truth, that I am adopted, loved, and accepted into Your family. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

This week, take one intentional step to connect with someone who may be feeling isolated or forgotten, a phone call, a visit, or even a message of encouragement. As you remind them they are not alone, you will also be reminded of God's promise that you are never alone either.