Alone

Loneliness is one of our greatest fears. To live alone. To die alone. To grow up without family, but to be isolated is contrary to our nature. Those who prefer to be alone will always seek the company of others, even of animals, to alleviate loneliness. It is the common plight of the orphan and the aged. God once said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” And we know it by experience.

Though there are times we need to be alone, we fear being alone, being isolated. I don’t mind sequestering myself in my office for a time, but I do so with the knowledge that others are nearby, family, friends, co-workers. Because I will need them in crisis. I will need them when stress comes. I will need them when I feel alone.

In Joshua’s first chapter, Joshua is feeling alone. The man he has grown to favor and follow, Moses, had died. Joshua is grieving. Who will lead Israel now? Who will talk with God to see what needs doing? Who will speak to Israel and lead them into the promised land. Though he probably suspected it, God chooses Joshua to be the leader and general of the army. Joshua will lead them across the Jordan, and Joshua will lead them to take the promised land. It is a large ask, but God makes this one promise to Joshua. “I will never leave you. I will always be with you.” Joshua will never be alone.

Has God asked you to do something? I’ve heard it said, “The Lord doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.” Could Joshua have taken the promised land without God? Maybe. Greater Generals had ravaged the land of Mesopotamia for centuries, taking and re-taking land. But Joshua was going to take Israel because God had promised it. And only this land was promised. Joshua was equipped to do a particular job for a particular time, and would then settle in peace. Bloodshed and war would only be for as long as necessary, and then God would permit him to live in his own home without fear.

What promises has God made to you today? Has God God promised you peace and safety? Or life abundant, eternal, and forever in His presence? Has God promised to keep you free from conflict, or to free you in the conflict?

One promise is sure. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Take heart. God is with you today. You will never be alone again.