We can feel quite alone when we face something in life that only we can do. We are the only ones that can go to the job interview and represent ourselves as we apply for a job. We alone can write an exam to pass a course. We alone know what its like to live in our skin and be married or parent or be part of our family. We alone know how we feel when we’re physically in pain or struggling with another person or trying to get over some hard event.
Yet, with the Lord in our lives, we’re never actually alone. The Bible reminds us continually of the presence of the Lord along with His care and concern for our lives. One example is Psalm 16:7-8:
“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
We can gain much encouragement here. “The Lord counsels me.” We don’t have to pay for this counseling. We don’t have to wait for an appointment. We can hear and receive His counsel through His Word and prayer. “Even at night my heart instructs me.” This likely refers to our heart reciting the Lord’s counsel. A verse or phrase from God’s Word may come to us and calm us through the night. “I will never leave your or forsake you.” “The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are His everlasting arms.” “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.” “I keep my eyes on the Lord.” That’s the big challenge - to keep our eyes and heart focused on Jesus through whatever life brings. Yet when we do, that “lonely” feeling is swept away. “With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” It’s very encouraging to have someone right beside you through whatever you face.
“The Lord is at our right hand. To be at someone’s right hand is to be their advocate in court or support in battle or companion for a journey. In Christ this is all literally true. (Acts 2:24-36). Because he died and rose for us, he is our representative in heaven (so we are completely forgiven) and companion on earth (so we are intimately loved). And someday we will not just sense him by our see, we will see him face to face.” (Tim Keller – Songs of Jesus – January 23 – 23).
So with whatever you face today or this week, that only you can face, remember Christ at your right hand. Then remember you are not alone.