John 14:15-24

Some days, life feels overwhelming and like it is all up to you. The burdens of responsibility and busyness sap your strength and drain your soul. Loneliness settles in like a weighted blanket. How can I do it all? I’m dancing as fast as I can, and there’s still so much to do.

As believers in Christ, we are never alone. N.E.V.E.R!

Hebrews 12:1 tells us we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.

Isaiah 6:33 says the whole earth is full of God’s glory.

I want you to close your eyes and imagine being surrounded by the glory of God. Angels are standing close by protecting you, a great company of saints are cheering you on, the rocks, the trees, and creatures are all singing of his glory.

However, we are not only surrounded by God’s glory, but we have it in us.

In the gospel of John, chapter 14, Jesus promises not to leave us as orphans. As one who has always felt like an orphan, these words breathe joy and hope into my soul. I am not alone, forgotten and unwanted. I am loved, chosen, and sought out.

In preparing the apostles for his death, Jesus promised them that he would send a Helper.

Imagine how fearful and hopeless they must have felt when they saw their best friend, their leader and teacher, the one they thought would save them from the oppression of their enemies, slain and buried? The loneliness that cascaded over them, body and soul, must have felt weighty indeed. I imagine feelings of despair, hopelessness, fatigue, listlessness and confusion. How would they go on alone? What were they to do now?

But our compassionate Saviour did not leave them alone in their fear and confusion. When he rose from the grave, he lingered on earth to comfort them. First, he appeared to the women who were going to tend his body, and then the other disciples gathered in fear and sorrow. He communicated comfort, peace and hope in the way we humans best understand, through fellowship.

After Jesus ascended into Heaven, and they felt alone once again, the promised Holy Spirit rushed in, filling them with His presence. With the glory of the LORD. Not just for a special period of time, like in the Old Testament, but eternally making his home in each soul.

The Holy Spirit resides in each of us also, through our belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. We are united with Christ and Almighty God. In John 14:23, after promising another Counsellor, Christ said;

“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

Oh, wonder of wonders! This fragile, sin-filled woman has the Eternal, Almighty, Triune God dwelling within her. How is this possible?

Through the blood of Christ alone, you and I are living in union with the one who created all things.

Sit in that truth for a few minutes and soak it in.

Oh, dear friends, you are loved beyond measure. Never, ever, alone for the rest of eternity. You will never face any burden, responsibility or busyness in life alone. Simply pause for a few moments and connect with the LORD, who has promised to give you the power you need to face anything this life can throw at you. Hallelujah! What a Saviour! I pray this brings as much joy and comfort to you as it does me.

Be well!

Patricia