By Rev. René François
It’s comforting to know that no matter where we go in life, no matter what challenges we’re facing, God’s presence is with us. The word of God, in Psalm 139, tells us that God has known us from the very first moment of our lives and that his presence was with us even during the formation of our bodies while we were in our mother’s womb. It speaks of a relationship so intimate that God even knows our thoughts before we utter them.
Although we may be strongly rooted in our faith and possess a firm belief in God’s great love for us, it is not uncommon to occasionally experience moments of doubt, especially during times of great hardship. In the midst of a trial, we may feel spiritually alone and as though God has become distant or is even nonexistent. Maybe you are going through a personal struggle right now and are experiencing these feelings.
Let us not forget that even though Jesus knew the purpose of his mission, and was fully aware of his Father’s love for him, the Bible says “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus was both fully God and fully human. In that dark moment, as Christ bore the sins of humanity and suffered on the cross, his “humanness” was evident as he cried out in despair, feeling he had been abandoned by God the Father. Having moments of doubt or feeling as though God has become distant, or has even abandoned us, is part of our humanness. Having these feelings do not make you a bad Christian. It simply means that you are human.
If you are currently going through a difficult time in your life, take heart. You are not alone. Regardless of the personal challenge you may be facing, God is with you on your journey. Even if you haven’t always been aware of it, God’s presence has been you through every season of your life. And rest assured, God’s presence is with you in this season as well. Psalm 139:7-10 says:
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
God’s presence is always with us. For God’s wonderful promise to us is: “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
My prayer for you today is that you will experience God’s peace. May you take comfort in knowing that his gracious and loving Spirit is with you on your journey. Amen.🕊
Blessings,
Rev. René François
Rev. René François is a Chaplain at Providence Little Company Of Mary Medical Centers, Torrance, CA. & San Pedro, CA. and provides spiritual care to hospice patients throughout Southern California.
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