RIGHT BESIDE US
This devotion is an excerpt from my book Thriving in Troubled Times. If you would like to read more like it, you can purchase it on Amazon. Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3RYM5R/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_VrXVFbVVZNEVA
The ancient Cherokee Indians practiced a unique rite of passage for a boy transitioning into manhood. A father brought his son into the forest, blindfolded him, and left him sitting on a log. He commanded the boy to wait there the entire night, without removing the blindfold, until he could detect the rays of the morning sun. The lad was not allowed to cry out for help but required to sit silently.
Once the boy survived the night, the tribe considered him a man. He could not tell anyone of the experience, because other boys needed to endure this ritual. Throughout the night, with no weapon, the noises of the forest were intense. But he sat unmoving, never touching the blindfold. Finally, after a long restless night, the sun appeared. Removing his blindfold, he instantly discovered something amazing. His father had been sitting on the log, right beside him all night long!
What a wonderful picture of how our Father watches over us. When I face fearful situations, when the noises of anxiety increase in my mind, when I’m blindfolded and stressed about the future, my Father is sitting right beside me. Like the Cherokee lad, I can’t see Him, but He’s with me.
Nowhere does the Bible ever promise that God will prevent us from experiencing troubles. But He promises to be with us in the midst of our fears. In Isaiah 43:2 God assures us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.” In verse 5 He adds, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Our Father, who knows everything and sees everything, present, and future, wants to make it really clear that He is always with us. Even at three a.m., when our fears place us on a mental torture rack and sleep eludes us. Maybe it’s worry over the future because of a job loss. Or the agony of a marriage that’s failing and we’re powerless to fix it. Or the heart-wrenching fear for your wife who has cancer. Or sitting on a stump in the middle of the woods all night long. Breathe easy. Our Papa is sitting right beside us, watching over us, protecting us from harm.
UPDATE ON LINDA: She has had a good week, but struggles at times with detox symptoms. Her energy level is low, but her spirit is full of joy.
Principle: God is always with us, even when we don’t feel His presence.
Ponder:
At what times do you most need the assurance that God is always with you?
When you sense God’s presence in a fearful situation, what does this do for you?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Isaiah 43.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank You for Your promise to never leave me. When I’m afraid, fill my heart with the assurance of Your presence.