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Never Alone

I am encouraged by the fact that no matter what the circumstances I am never alone.
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The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley (valley of the shadow of death)

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

When reflecting upon these Bible verses, I am encouraged by the fact that no matter what the circumstances - here is a promise that I am NEVER ALONE. MY shepherd - Jesus Christ - is with me.

As a Christian, as a nurse and a person who struggles with anxiety/depression, I know there are times in life when we go through illness (mental or physical). During these times we can feel absolutely alone. The idea “No one understands” is the feeling that we can have during this time.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley (or valley of the shadow of death) I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”

This passage explains that when we are in our darkest times we are not alone - God is with us. I know from personal experience, that, just knowing I am not alone in my struggle brings me peace - even if the situation does not change.

The apostle Paul offers us help on how to help others. He said in Roman’s 15:1 - “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves”. When we see people in situations of suffering we can try to convey to them they are not alone, even though we might not be able to change or help their circumstances. I know from personal experience, just friendly phone calls or visits from my friends really helped me to feel supported in my struggle.

Another example where we might be able to support people is volunteering with hospice - as a volunteer, you quietly sit with those who are dying - a physical presence to let the dying person know they are not alone in their “darkest valley”.