
Several years ago, my husband and I hiked to the highest point on the Cumberland Plateau area of Kentucky. After the long hike up the mountain, we reached an amazing lookout point where you could see for miles. It was
breath taking. My husband wanted to hike a little higher but I wanted to stay where I was because the rest of the trail was very steep. So, I stayed by myself. I have to admit that I got a little scared on that mountain ridge all alone. It was probably the most alone I have ever felt and I really didn't like that feeling.
My mountain climbing adventure made me ask the question, "Am I ever truly alone?" For the children of God, the answer to this question is "no". The Almighty God revealed a very important facet of His character in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel when He renamed the city of Jerusalem JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH which means "The LORD is There." Our Father underscored the fact that He will never leave us. He is with us every minute of every day. Not only is He with us in every joy but also in every heartache. JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH never leaves us alone. King David described this idea beautifully in Psalm 139:2-12 (The Message).
...even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too-
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful-
I can't take it all in!
Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute-
you're already there waiting!
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark!
At night I'm immersed in the light!"
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you;
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you.
I must admit, the idea that God is everywhere is sometimes hard to grasp. He is omnipresent. In other words, God is not limited by time or space because He is everywhere at the same time. What's more, all of His power and glory is totally present in all space at all times. JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH doesn't thin out! He isn't more present with one person than He is with another. My human brain can't conceive it but I am so grateful for it. Like David said, "everywhere I look - God is there."
My dear friend, are you feeling alone or abandoned in your time of grief? Please realize that even though you are feeling alone, you are not. The LORD is There! He was there when you first heard the news that your loved one had passed. He has been there every minute counting every tear you shed. God is making Himself known to you
at this very moment. Can you feel your heart warming as He is hugging you?
In all their troubles, He was troubled,too.
He didn't send someone else to help them.
He did it himself, in person.
Out of His own love and pity,
He redeemed them.
He rescued them and carried them along
for a long, long time. (Isaiah 63:9 The Message)
The New Testament describes a time when the LORD was there when a child was born in Bethlehem. In fact that child's name is Immanuel,"God with us!" That same child grew to be a man who gave his life willingly on the cross so that you and I could live with God eternally. His name is JEHOVAH-JESUS who is also JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH. Wherever Jesus is, "The LORD is There" because Jesus is God in bodily form (see Colossians 2:9).
The fact that the LORD is ever-present and always there is woven into other New Testament writings as well.
For God has said," I will never fail you, I will never abandon you." Hebrews 13:5 (NLT)
Isn't that the most beautiful thought in the world? The God of the Universe has promised to never abandon us. He has promised to always be there. Take a deep breath, my friend. Breathe in the presence of JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.
Journaling Ideas
1. Read Matthew 28:20b. What do these words of Jesus mean to you?
2. Describe a time when you felt alone. What emotions did you feel?
3. Do you truly believe that God is always there? Why or why not?
4. What has surprised you about your grief journey?
5. How do you envision your future?
Your Grieving Toolbox
Today's tool to add to your toolbox is fragrance. I like the symbolism of fragrance as it relates to JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH because even though it totally surrounds you, you can't see it. This tool is particularly exciting because fragrant candles are so popular right now. Choose a scented candle that makes you smile when you smell it. Then light it and let it remind you that just like the fragrance, JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH is there and surrounding you.
Beautiful child of God, I pray that you will breathe in the goodness and mercy that follows you all the days of your life as you dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Based on Psalm 23).