An old gospel chorus is buzzing in my ears today, reminding me that even when I do feel lonely, God’s assurances state differently. The chorus goes, “No, never alone, no, never alone. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.”

In the hope drenched dewy spring morning, when I’m confronted with the birds and bees exuberantly all-a-flutter doing their thing, I sometimes experience the opposite. Instead, I feel a sharp stab of being an outsider alone with chronic pain, not belonging to the riotous activities surrounding me. Yet, I remind myself of all the past times I felt alone and took refuge in the linking, connective promises of God’s provision. Read aloud the following litany and see if, in it, you hear God’s omnipresence.

When I’ve left my people, my village, my safe place, and I feel alone, let me rest in your heart, my new home town, where the light is always on.

“We are not alone, for He is our refuge and I will not be upended.” (Psalms 62:2)

When my partner has left me, when my children are grown, when my career is over, and I feel alone, show me your purpose, your guiding light.

“Though my strength is drained from me, and my vigor disappears (Daniel 10:8), you O Lord have not left me alone, because I always do those things that please you.” (John 8: 28)

When my friends don’t answer, when my group dissipates, when my trust dims, and I feel alone, refocus my darkened vision.

“I trust in you Lord with all my heart. I do not lean on my own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) 

In what do you take comfort when you feel alone in your circumstances?