No, Never Alone
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I was heading home to Huntsville, Alabama, United States of America, after a short visit with my sister, Lynn, and her family in Virginia, United States of America. Hugs and goodbyes were exchanged, and I was in the car, singing along with the cassettes I had packed for the almost eight-hour drive home. I had decided to take an unfamiliar route to avoid the mountain and heavy interstate traffic. The cool, clear early morning air, the beautiful landscape, and the uncluttered road made the drive just perfect—that is, until I hit what I thought was a patch of dense fog that slowed me down considerably. The scenery disappeared, and so did the road! I could not see outside the car. I literally dropped to a crawling pace because I was unfamiliar with the road and had no clue how long I would remain in the fog.
I prayed, cried, and listened for the slightest sound to indicate that I was leaving the road. Talk about fear! But what was that? I heard the Lord say, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed.” “OK, Lord,” I whispered. “You drive.” I do not know how long I was in that fog, but it seemed like an eternity. And since I had taken the road less traveled, I was alone. I would have to inch my way through the fog or wait for it to dissipate.
But I trusted God would bring me through it—and He did! Just as quickly as I had hit the fog, it lifted like a curtain. The view was even more beautiful.
My tears quickly dried as I sang with a clearer perspective the rest of the way home. Life is like that, isn’t it? We are scurrying along, taking on our daily challenges until we hit dense fog. The death of a loved one, a broken relationship, a financial deficit, a wayward child, or a health crisis close in around us. We feel boxed in. Powerless.
Alone. My friend, we are never alone. The Promise Keeper has assured us of His presence, His comfort, and His wisdom. “O what peace we often forfeit”* when we try to work things out ourselves and fail to trust Him. The fog is Satan’s FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real. It is a favorite tactic of his. But God has everything under control.
He holds us in the palm of His Hand. Thank You, Lord, for Your abiding presence always.
Kaven Ible
* Joseph M. Scriven, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” 1855, public domain.
