You’ll Never Walk Alone

Apparently I am supposed to be a self-made man.

I should be able to look back on all my accomplishments and achievements and be able to proudly say, I did it my way. I should have the ability to pull myself by my own bootstraps and be able to tell society that I am a fully independent, autonomous and self-reliant being who doesn’t need any hand-outs.

Apparently.

Thankfully the reality of life – true, enriching, vibrant and dynamic life in its fullness – is that the apparent approach will get you nowhere near realising this life. Nowhere near.

As life is shaped by the energising invitation to journey towards the Living Hope, so is the blessed assurance that the journey is not taken on your own. Every step you take is one taken knowing there is presence with you. Presence to support you. Presence to guide you. Presence to encourage you. Presence that provides for you. Presence that consoles you. Presence that comforts you. Presences that corrects you. Presence that lifts you when you fall. Presence that celebrates with you as you succeed and makes the party all the more worthwhile.

You are not alone on the journey meaning you’ll never walk alone. He who is the Living Hope that you walk towards, is the one who walks beside you giving you glimpses of what is ahead that makes the journey worthwhile in the present. Glimpses through those journey companions he brings along the way from time to time. Glimpses through the Comforter within at those brutal and crushing times.

So when you finally look back on all the achievements and accolades, when you consider the progress made on the journey and when it comes to the journey’s end, you can reflect on the reality that every step of the way the presence of Jesus was with you. You can say without shame that you did not make it on your own and you did not accomplish anything by your own strength. You can say with joy in your spirit and hope in your heart that you held your head up high because of that promise and reassurance that you never walked alone.

It’s a great word of encouragement for you on the journey and it’s a great antidote to the depressing delusion of self-centred thinking. It is the way you make progress in life to life. It’s good to know in every situation you face.

You’ll never walk alone.

(Photo by Sebastian Pichler on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden