This Sunday past, Thea and I visited  First Baptist of Micanopy just outside of Gainesville, FL. And the preacher’s text was Psalm 42 and 43. He had a full page outline, but I’ll sum up what I got from him message.

I have read Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for the streams of water; so, my hearts pants for you, my God.” I walked away with the simply understanding that David was pining after God. Yet, the preacher on Sunday helped me see that panting happens after long periods without. That deer running through the woods looking, searching for water. She needs the water to revive her; to get give her strength to keep running. Then I thought about when I start panting during my exercise programs, and how exhausted I feel, until I take that sip of water.

Ah! So, David was desperate. He was panting after God. His was LONELY.

The preacher went on to say that during this period (13 years exiled to avoid Saul, but after being anointed as God’s chosen King), David hid, he ran, and while he was surrounded by loyal soldiers he felt alone. People around him asked, “Where is your God?” I thought this was an interesting statement, because just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean I’m immune to hard times, disappointments, hurts, broken hearts, rejection, loneliness, sinful behavior. No!

It’s during these dark, darker, DARKEST times, as David expounds upon in these two Psalms, that we must TRUST that we are not alone, nor are we forsaken. God NEVER takes his eye off of EACH of us. However, (and I liked the way the preacher said this) there are times when God is silent. Silent! I know, what a concept.  Most of us live in noise. I’m surrounded by noise, what plays in my head, on my TV, on my iPod, and let’s not leave out the noise of my computer dinging and beeping always calling me to it. (Such a needy machine!) Yet, through it all God has never left. He’s there waiting through the darkness with us. This was very comforting to me, because I have had many friends lose a love one, and what they have often said is, “Thanks for just being here.” I haven’t done anything, I have nothing spectacular to say, but just my presence has helped sometimes.

It was reassuring for me to realize that as I go through some of the loneliest moments of my life, I am never ever alone. Thank you God!

PS: Thank you the congregation of First Baptist Micanopy for reminding me that wherever Christian’s are gathered I have automatic family present! I enjoyed meeting each of you, and while our paths may never cross again here, I look forward to being neighbors with you for eternity!