I thought I was alone. Yes, years ago I thought I was alone in facing the challenges of life. Later on, when I realized that there are others who are in the same boat, my perception changed. As I got to meet and know people, I began to understand that everyone longs to be understood and loved. Does it not feel good to know that there are people out there who care? Does it not feel good that there are those who share in our pain? There is beauty in being in community. Yet, sometimes, it is those same people who disappoint us and give us challenges. Sometimes. 🙂
When I started reading the scriptures, I cannot help but see so many examples of ordinary people like you and me. They struggled. They fought each other. They are being human. Yet, the best part of all in the scriptures is that Jesus walked with those people in the middle of their struggles. I also started learning that Jesus walks with us too. He’s there. He’s here. He listens, and He cares for us. I am not alone. We are not alone. Jesus is our constant friend.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)