"No one came to my support, but everyone deserted me...But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength." 2 Tim 4:16, 17

Paul here lets us in on a precious truth, that when we are at our lowest, when it seems that no one is there for us, when loneliness overwhelms us, it is then that our precious Lord will stand by our side and give us strength. Many of the greatest meetings with the Lord took place when his people were lonely and at their lowest point. When we are in a pit, like Daniel, alone and surrounded by lions, the Lord will be there to protect us. When we find ourselves in the fiery furnaces of life, He will stand with us. When we like Hagar, are cast off, alone, without hope, the Lord will meet with us. When we are in deep despair like Job, God will speak to us from the whirlwind. No matter where we are or what the circumstances, the Lord will lift up our downtrodden spirits by his presence. Isn¹t it just like our precious Lord to stand with us when all others let us down, giving us the strength to go on. So next time you are all alone and despair is overtaking you, look for the Lord, He will be there, standing by your side and then you, like Paul, will find strength in Him and can go forth to bring Him glory and honor.

Father, thank You for the reassurance that though the entire world may desert me You will never leave me nor forsake me. You are always there at my side and from You I can always derive the strength I need to see me through. Help me to never lose sight of Your presence with me and to always reach out to You and live in Your strength. Amen