By Leif Kehrwald

What is your deepest fear? Some may say getting up in front of a group of people to speak or perform. Others fear the consequences of not completing their work on time. Some experience great anxiety at a party making social connections, while others can't stand to be alone even for a short while.

Whether introvert or extrovert, whether quiet and shy or loud and outgoing, whether young or old, male or female, perhaps an underlying fear that we all carry is that of being abandoned, left completely isolated and alone. I'm not talking about a short period of uncomfortable solitude. I'm talking about feeling totally abandoned and alone in the world. We've all had such days. For if we are totally alone, there is no one to love and no one to love us. There is no one to guide us through our troubles and no one to share our joys. There is no one to share a knowing glance or a wry smile.

Take comfort. Even on the days when we feel abandoned by all others, we are assured that the Creator will never leave us behind. Take comfort in these words of Scripture.

"I have chosen you and not cast you off;
do not fear, for I am with you,
  do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you." (Is. 41:9-10)

"When they call to me, I will answer them;
  I will be with them in trouble,
  I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
  and show them my salvation." (Ps. 91:15-16)

In his song, Here I Am, Tom Booth echoes God's promise:

I am here in the midst of ev'ry trial.
I am here in the face of despair.
I am here when pardoning your brother...

Here I am, standing right beside you.
Here I am; do not be afraid.
Here I am, waiting like a lover.
I am here; here I am.

When you feel alone and abandoned; when fear rises up in your darkness, take a moment to dwell on these words of hope. Meditate on the entire chapter of Isaiah 41 and the full text of Psalm 91, and listen to Tom Booth's meditative song. Rest assured; you are not alone. You are wholly loved by the One whose love endures forever.

We pray:
   Oh God, I am grateful for those who stand by me in times of despair and loneliness, for they put a human face on your love. But when I am truly alone, and my fears threaten to overtake me, I am grateful that you are always by my side, that comfort is available in the shadow of your wings. Amen.

More about fear...

• Managing Anger and Fear: In an Angry and Frightened World
• God is Near
• Freshman Survival Guide