How would you end this statement: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name ___”? How about, “You better make sure your two buddies don’t have the virus.” Such is how our thinking changes in an epidemic.
Hopefully, you recognized Jesus’ words, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 NKJV). While those words are reassuring, in these days of stay-at-home lockdowns, individuals may indeed find themselves truly alone. It is possible that you might feel like Psalm 102:7, “I lie awake, and am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.”
Our despair may grow to the point of Psalm 142:4, “Look on my right hand and see, for there is no one who acknowledges me; refuge has failed me; no one cares for my soul.” Think of Jesus’ final hours on the cross . . . “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
I’d like to think that no one is sinking to that level of hopelessness, but you probably know a person or two who depends on social interaction a lot more than others. Even with smartphones and video chats, some are feeling this desperation.
So, what is the remedy for this “forsaken” feeling? In the case of persecution, Jesus said, “Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets” (Luke 6:22-23). Ponder the prophet Jeremiah’s predicament as his enemies let him down with ropes into the cistern where “there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud” (Jer. 38:6 NASV).
As God told Jeremiah when He appointed him, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you” (Jer. 1:19). “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). Do you see the key in both of those reassuring verses? Those who are faithful to God need not feel that overwhelming discouragement, “for I am with you”!
If you’re feeling down and out, take God’s hand through prayer and reading His Word. Contact me and I’ll be glad to help you accomplish that (336-969-5498 & southstokescoc@gmail.com). Don’t despair!
Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ. (This article was first published in the Stokes News, the local newspaper.)