There is much emphasis on the problems of poverty in the world. Comic Relief (with its recent Red Nose Day), we are told, ‘strives to create a just world, free from poverty’, and it raised £63.5m presumably to that end this year.
But as the late Mother Teresa said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.” Loneliness can affect any or all of us at times, whether it be after a much loved partner or parent has passed away, or a relationship has been broken, or just simply because we feel alone in the world, and life seems so pointless. It’s often been said that one can feel so alone, even in a busy city or in a large crowd.
Back in the early 60s there was an advert for a new cigarette going around. It simply portrayed a guy all alone in a deserted street with his raincoat collar up and wearing a trilby hat lighting up a Strand cigarette. The slogan was ‘You’re never alone with a Strand’, and it was only 3/2d for 20. I must admit I tried them at the time – just having started work, but am glad I gave up quickly!
Though there may be at times a sense of loss, we have Jesus with us always – so that we never should feel completely alone. And when we die He’s still there with us. Remember Jesus said: “Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt 28:20.
If you have believed in Jesus and received forgiveness of your sins, take comfort in knowing and reminding yourself of that fact – perhaps in the words of the song by Dave Bilbrough:
I am not alone, God is watching over me.
Every step I take, He is watching over me.
He’s faithful, so faithful.
God surrounds me with His love,
He is always near;
In my deepest need, through my darkest hour,
He won’t ever leave or forsake me.
Whether we live or die, as believers, we are never alone. But we need to remember that in order that we might never be alone, the Lord Jesus Christ had to die alone in our place, bearing our sins in His own body on the cross. Let’s consider again, this Easter, what it cost Him to assure us that we will be ‘forever with the Lord’
Steve Piggott
Elder
April 2019
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