God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1   

 “You better know what to do when it’s just you”.   

The words came in true God fashion.  I was facing a dilemma that revolved around going somewhere without a friend. I wanted to go, but I almost missed a blessing, because I didn’t want to go alone.  The desire to go was heavy in my heart, but my fear of going by myself was just as strong.

Yet, God met me in that place and spoke directly to me through Beth Moore’s words as the David Bible study video played.  The message couldn’t be missed.  I was supposed to go, alone.  This trip would be me and God.

Jesus spoke to the masses.  He had 12 disciples, 3 close friends, but would draw away to be near to God alone.  It is where he found his solace, peace, and energy to go on.  His hiding place and refuge were found in God alone.   

Recently this quote has resurfaced in my mind, as the Corona virus has effected so many people’s ability to be with loved ones.  As my mom entered the hospital alone, for triple bypass heart surgery, I knew God was with her when no one else could be. 

This wasn’t the way we wanted it, but he promised in Psalms 23:4 that he would be with us and he would comfort us when we walked in the valleys (and in the shadow of death).

God gives us community, so we don’t have to do life alone.  However; no one can replace our need for him.  If we are looking to other things to fill needs only He alone can fill, we will be left disappointed.  Relationships, food, alcohol, and money can not replace the God shaped hole that exists in us.  There will be times when it will be just you and Jesus.

I think about the Garden of Gethsamane. In Matthew 26:36-46 Jesus knew the crushing inevitability of what was to come.  He asked his disciples to pray and found them sleeping.  His soul was crushed, and when he needed his friends most, they weren’t there. 

But God was.  Jesus prayed three times crying out for God to remove what was to come if there was any other way. Jesus wouldn’t escape the suffering ahead, but God would be with him.

In Jesus’ biggest challenge, he would walk alone with God. 

Are you walking through a difficult time, and feeling isolated?  God is ever present, even when others are not.  May you feel his presence in a mighty way today.