Good morning everyone,
You may not know Ella Wheeler Wilcox, but you probably have heard these famous lines from one of her poems: “Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone.” Have you noticed how true that is? Look around. Where do you usually find large, enthusiastic groups? Stadiums are filled with thousands of cheering fans having a good time. Friends meet in restaurants to unwind and laugh with one another. Everyone looks forward to birthday parties and wedding receptions.
But life isn’t all about laughter and good times, is it? Scripture reminds us: “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). A serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a deep hurt caused by someone you trusted makes life hard. And as the poet said, it can also leave one feeling very much alone. People are drawn to one another in good times, but feel uncomfortable and shy away when there is trouble. You typically don’t see people flocking to the bedside of an elderly relative suffering from a variety of health problems in a nursing home. Excuses come quickly to avoid visiting a family grieving a death. Tell someone that you are struggling with depression, and you may hear nothing but a deafening silence.
The believer, however, is never truly all alone. “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). God assures us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). He didn’t shy away from us in our greatest need. Instead, He sent His Son to suffer for sin in our place that we might be saved and live with Him in glory forever. Since Jesus came and laid down His life for us, we know that no matter what the difficulty, He will always be there to hear our prayers and rescue us in the way He knows is best. “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Ps. 30:5).
If you’re feeling alone today because of some trial, while the world continues on its way oblivious to your pain, remember that the Savior knows and cares. What’s more, He already knows how He will help. Talk to Him. If you see someone else struggling, let them know they are not alone. Support and encourage them with the Word. “Carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2).
In tomorrow’s sermon text (Is. 50:4-10), we hear Jesus speaking in prophecy before His becoming man of the hope He would bring for the discouraged and helpless.
Services are at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m.; Choir at 9:10; Sunday School at 9:30 and Adult Bible class at 9:45.
See you tomorrow,
Pastor
