Just some early morning thoughts from me to you…

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8: 37-39 (TLB)

It was a beautiful time of year visiting with two dear friends a few years ago, watching the Colorado Rockies spring training games, golf, and just being together. 

Including when Lynda and I and our friends entered the worship center for Sunday’s service at the Scottsdale Bible Church. 

Three of us were glad to be there that morning.

I was empty, anxious, moving from a bit down toward depressed. 

I had come up short on some things, now feeling hopeless, lost—and despite being with my precious bride and long-time dear friends—I felt all alone. 

The message and service were good and should have been uplifting for me, too. But not that day or that moment. Instead, I couldn’t shake the despair overcoming me—while trying to hide how I was feeling from Lynda and the others. 

Thoughts from the past—disappointments, missteps, heartaches, childhood crud, coupled with the doubt and fear in the days ahead—overwhelmed me in that worshipful moment.

Maybe you can identify. Maybe you’ve been there.  

Difficulties and decisions of the days. 

Personal issues, relationships, battles, challenges, heart-wrenching losses you have suffered. Our plates are full and heavy, leaving us feeling like we’re standing there all alone. 

And so there I was in a wonderful church, in a beautiful area of the country, trying to be involved—at least for the sake of my bride and dear friends—yet I felt all alone, lost, isolated and empty. 

Then the worship choir began to sing a song by Matt Redman I had never heard before—

“Standing on this mountaintop, Looking just how far we’ve come
Knowing that for every step, You were with us…
Scars and struggles on the way, But with joy our hearts can say…
Never once did we ever walk alone
Never once did You leave us on our own
You are faithful, God, You are faithful
Kneeling on this battle ground, Seeing just how much You’ve done
Knowing every victory, Was [from] Your power…
Carried by Your constant grace, Held within Your perfect peace…
Never once… [Did]…we ever walk alone…
Never once did You leave us on our own
Never once…”

With the tears now rolling down my face, I did my best to sing along realizing that in the midst of whatever I was feeling and going through—God was there. Never once had He left my side. 

A smile slipped into my heart, and across my face as I connected once again with the One who was always next to me. The One who had given His life for me, for you, for all of us, over two thousand years ago.

I reached for Lynda’s hand. She smiled knowing I was back. 

In that moment, I realized that never once had God left me. He had been there all the while.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? At any and every age. And we may be there again. Feeling all alone. 

But here’s the Gospel truth—no matter where you and I have been, where we are, or where we will be—never once, never one time, never ever, will we be alone. 

God is always with us. 

Never once alone, never.

In His Name–Scott

Be reminded that you are never alone, enjoying this performance by Matt Redman of “Never Once.”