January 22, 2014
9:17 AM

Like most mornings I awoke to my iPhone “Wake Up to Worship” mix at 5:45 AM, but unlike most mornings I let it play rather than rushing to hit snooze or turn it off. Boy was I blessed! Laying there half asleep, half awake, as I listened to the third song, By My Side by Daniel Bashta, my heart turned to prayer for two friends who recently lost a loved one. I prayed for them, bearing the burden of the loss for a moment with them and then feeling such hope and strength from the truth conveyed in that song. Some songs speak Scripture directly and others are based upon Scripture. By My Side is the latter – a song poetically capturing and holding our hearts with the truth of God when he says, “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b, ESV) That promise stated once by Jesus was stated over and over by God through the prophets in the Old Testament and affirmed by the psalmists as they worshiped him. It made me wonder if there is any promise in all of Scripture that is more central than this one. Evidently, it is very important for us to know and affirm that the Lord is indeed with us.

He is by your side and promises to never leave you nor forsake you. If you feel alone today, or tomorrow, this promise is for you. Truth informs our feelings; our feelings do not necessarily convey truth. You may feel alone, but the truth is that you are not alone! May you know the nearness of God as you listen.

If you have never embraced God as your Father, then receive and believe in Jesus. It is through faith in him that we become children of God. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (John 1:12 ESV) Sometimes children just need to know that daddy is near, arms spread out inviting us to come and be held by him. You were never meant to be alone.

If you can, take a moment, close your eyes and listen to By My Side with these words from God in mind:

“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

Bill Born