Today I saw “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” in 3D at my local theater, and I enjoyed it very much. About three-quarters through the movie, while Gandalf and the dwarves are visiting with the elves, Gandalf and the Elf Queen Galadriel have a private conversation.
Galadriel asks Gandalf why he brought along the halfling, meaning Bilbo Baggins, as a burglar. He gives it some thought before replying, “Perhaps because I am afraid…and he gives me courage.”
With the utmost respect, love, and encouragement in her voice, Galadriel reassures Gandalf. I can’t recall the exact words she says, but it’s something like, “Do not be afraid. You are not alone. When you are in trouble, I will come.”
Zing! Right between the eyes. I literally felt an electrical charge go through my body at those words and felt like shouting, “Hallelujah!” I mean, those words might as well have come out of God’s mouth.
This is God’s reassurance for us even now. “Do not be afraid. You are not alone. When you are in trouble, I will come. When you need Me, I’ll come running. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you.”
Isaiah 35:4 (NIV) says, “[S]ay to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’”
“I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25 NIV)
As I drove home from the theater, I listened to one of my favorite CD’s, Larnelle Harris’s “Beyond All the Limits” (Benson label, 1994) and the lyrics to his song “Beyond What I Can See” brought tears to my eyes as my heart swelled with gratitude to God. Larnelle co-wrote this song with Max Kaylor and Darryl Williams. I find it interesting how a song I’ve heard over and over through the years suddenly takes on new meaning and brilliance after a life-changing experience. I want to share some of the lyrics from this song so you’ll know what I’m talking about.
“My God is faithful, for not one promise He has made has gone unfulfilled, according to His will. And He is able, for by His grace He supplies my every need. His faithfulness exceeds beyond what I can see. … Beyond what I can see, beyond what I can see, though the road’s not clear I will not fear the way He’s leading me. So until the morning light when my faith ends in sight, I’ll rest assured in whom I have believed, and follow on beyond what I can see.”
God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. He has promised to come to our rescue when we need His help. He has proven Himself to be a Promise Keeper time after time. Because of His help in my times of need, I am convinced that He will never leave me comfortless, never forsake me. I am never alone because God is near. He knows my needs and supplies them. He is my Protector, my Shield, a very present help in times of trouble. I pray that you will take these words to heart and let Him be all this and more for you as you enter into a new year.
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