I must have been about eight-years-old. We were shopping in the mall, which was a new experience for me. So many people. So much noise. Suddenly I realized I’d dropped my mother’s hand. From my viewpoint, I only saw knees and racks of clothes. I have never felt so lonely and frightened in my life. I think that was the first time I felt my heartbeat. Of course, it only lasted a few moments. Mom found me and took my hand again.
A few times in my adult life, I have felt as if I’m not holding on to God anymore. A sense of loss engulfs me. My heart pounds, my eyes tear, and I can’t seem to catch my breath. “Where are you, God?” “Why have you left me?” And just as my mom found me that day, he always lets me know he is still there.
Scripture tells us our Lord will never leave us, and that he promises to be with us until the end of the ages, according to Mathew 28:22. His Holy Spirit dwells inside of us when we ask Jesus to come into our lives, as Peter proclaimed in Acts 2:38. We don’t always feel our heart beating, but we know it is. In the same way, we can be confident that the Spirit is there.
Do you feel a bit lost right now? It’s okay. If Jesus is with you, you are never alone. Call out to the Holy Spirit to comfort you and guide you. He’ll grasp your hand. You can count on it.
Dear Lord, thank you that you are always with me no matter what happens, and especially when I do not feel you near me. Let me always feel comfortable calling out to the Holy Spirit to guide me and keep me safe. Amen.
Go Deeper — Write down the times you have felt God close to you. Let it remind you that he is always there, no matter whether you can “see” him in your life right now or not.
Read Further — Don’t Google Your Worries. Focusing on your worries might entice you to let go of God’s hand.
Photo Credit: Jordan Ladikos