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“I love you, God. I love you.

I love you, God. I love you.

When I’m in the darkness, I know I’m not alone

Because you are there.

I know I’m with you…”

These are the words my four-year-old son sang one night as I was putting him to bed. We had just finished reading his children’s devotional, and I asked if he knew of any songs that praised God. These were the first words that came out of his mouth.

When I asked where he learned them, to my surprise, he had made them up.

This made me think – a four-year-old child gets it. He knows he’s not alone and that the Lord is always with him. As adults we should know this, too. Right?

Easier said than done.

As widows, when we lose our husbands, the word lonely cannot even begin to describe this horrific experience. No matter how many people surround us with their love and support, the loneliness creeps in. Loneliness tells us no one can possibly understand this darkness and what we are going through. Loneliness tells us we are going to have to do this life alone with help from no one. Loneliness’s lies say we are nothing without our other half, and there is no one who will walk this journey with us.

When I lost my husband Michael at 31 to undiagnosed depression and suicide, I felt alone and isolated, even in a room filled with dozens of people who cared about me. Loneliness and grief-stricken depression told me this life wasn’t worth it.

But these lies are so far from the truth. The Lord tells us time and time again that He is with us, and He will NEVER leave us.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 (esv)

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (esv)

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Joshua 1:5 (niv)

Sisters, these words are truth. As Christians, these words are life.

Though the lies of loneliness tried to take hold, the Lord has never left my side. His comfort and peace have brought strength in my weakest moments. His promises hold true. Even in the darkness, He is light. He is with us, and we are with Him. We are never, ever, alone.

Lord, Thank You for Your promises and never leaving our side. We cannot walk this journey without You. Help us to lean on Your comfort, peace and strength. Amen.