John 16:31-33
Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Today would be the 78th birthday of Elvis Aaron Presley. In 1960, the legendary musician and actor had a number one hit single called, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” that is ranked #81 on Billboard’s list of “greatest songs of all time.” If I were to ask you whether you are lonesome, you very well might laugh at me. “Are you kidding? I have people around me all the time… two brothers and a sister… four kids and a wife/husband…I work with dozens of people every day…I live in an apartment complex/facility with several other families and individuals… I’m a cashier at Wal-Mart or a server at a restaurant!” Yes, I get it… you are not alone. But are you lonely? There is a difference!
People who are lonely often lack the unshakable, deep peace of God. They may sense His presence… and surely they feel the company of other people in their lives. But it is entirely possible to feel lonely without being alone. And those who do not experience the profound, unwavering presence of God are vulnerable to attack from the devil… which can bring a myriad of troubles and difficulties that often seem insurmountable.
Many of us give wonderful lip service to the acknowledgement of God’s existence in our life. We agree wholeheartedly that Jesus is with us. We claim the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart. And then we totally abandon Him. We talk a good game… but we don’t actually live out our declarations. So while we readily recognize that the Father is with us… that we are not abandoned… we fail to trust Him completely. And we are shaken… we lack assurance and deep peace when troubles come. And Jesus has told us that troubles will come!
Search your heart today. See whether God is a visitor in your life… or a fulltime resident. When troubles come… or the devil suggests that you are lonely… where do you turn? Have you allowed him room to work in your heart, or are you deeply rooted in the unshakable peace and assurance that the Father is always with you, conquering all of your difficulties and securing His victories for you?
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say unequivocally that Jesus has your back… that there is nothing you can’t handle with His help? Did you know that today can be that day? It’s a matter of shifting your attitude… and surrendering completely. When we “let go and let God,” nothing can permanently rattle us. Are you ready to operate in unshakable peace and assurance? Are you “lonesome tonight?” Is this you’re a great day to change?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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