Monday Motivation: We are never alone

      Most of us are very familiar with the 23rd Psalm. King David gives us a beautiful poem with vivid images that give us confidence to carry us through all manner of trials. But, the chapter just before that provides a reminder that our Father had a plan to be with us through all time, even at our lowest points. Psalm 22 uses images of the depths of despair. The writer refers to himself as a worm (verse 6) and says he has been brought to the dust of death.(verse 15). The words are very familiar. They are a prediction of the crucifixion of Jesus. Verse 8 uses the words of Christ’s tormentors: “He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him; let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” KJV,  In the midst of these terrible pictures, we are reminded that God still cares. “For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried he heard.” Psalm 22:24. KJV.  The whole Bible, after all, is the story of God’s plan, of sending His son to rescue us. For a while, God did hide his face from the earth on that terrible Friday, as Jesus’s earthly body breathed its last. But, oh the glory of Sunday. God did not change his plans, did not turn away from His son. He is still there for you, always. Be encouraged this week. Go back and read the next psalm. Or maybe you have it memorized .  . . “The Lord is my shepherd . . .”