January 10, 2012

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

Key Verse
"But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark . . . " (Genesis 8:1)
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Central Truth

Everyone feels lonely at times, but God reminds us that He never leaves us and He never forsakes us.

Reflections

371 Days

Dr. Robert Ketcham once wrote that God is too wise to make a mistake and too kind to ever be unkind. But when tragedy strikes, when the death of a loved one occurs, when circumstances in life seem unbearable, it is so natural to focus inward and forget that God is still there to walk with you. I wonder what was going through the minds of Noah and his family when the last animal entered the ark, the door was shut and the rains began to pound on the wood of the ark. When the ark began to float and bounce with the waves, Noah's family became the very first "cruisers" ever. But they were destined to spend over a year on that gopher wood craft (371 days).

If you've ever felt helpless, not in control, totally dependent on someone else and even claustrophobic, you may be able to sense what may have been circulating through the minds of Noah and his immediate family. Genesis 8:1 calls out to us over the centuries: "But God remembered Noah...." Hebrews 13:5 reminds us that "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" Because we are depraved, because we are limited in wisdom, because we cannot control the issues around us, because we are in a spiritual battle, we need the Lord. We need His power. We need His wisdom. We need His presence. We need His protection. The Psalmist reminds us repeatedly that God is our refuge, our rock, our fortress, our shield, our help.

Whatever you or your loved ones may be facing, you are not alone. Remember the "Footprints" poem? You are never alone once you have believed in Jesus Christ as your Savior. Both Jesus and God, the Father, hold you in their hands and the Holy Spirit is your seal, ensuring eternal salvation. May we all sing out with David, "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:3-4).

Discussion Questions

1. Anticipate a time when you might feel alone. Search out Psalm 34 and find three or four verses that will encourage you.

2. Which Biblical passage might you turn to if a family member becomes very sick or requires surgery?

3. Why should God care what happens to you? Your family?

4. Does God love those who have not yet believed on Jesus Christ as their Savior? Has He ever done anything to prove He loves them?

5. What did Noah do soon after he left the ark to show his love and devotion to God, who never left him alone? (Genesis 8:20)

6. You are never alone. Who do you know who needs this message today?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.

  1. pat

    January 10, 2012 07:21 AM

    We have been on a journey of one crisis after another with my dad..all alone we have felt until this series ..each passage and commentary seems to speak right to us at the right moment...I can only conclude that Gods speaking to us thru this which proves we are not going thrum this very sad time alone

  2. Toni

    January 10, 2012 07:32 AM

    Thanks for the Psalm 34 reference. I feel lonely often. I will read this for my reminder that I am not alone.

  3. Ron Hunt

    January 10, 2012 08:33 AM

    Also thank you for Psalm 34 reference. In darkness the light of our God protects and leads us. Can I hid from His present? Praise God for our Lord Jesus Christ!

  4. Laurie Carlson

    January 10, 2012 08:47 AM

    Thanks Bob for counting out the days of Noah's journey. 371 days seems like an eternity to us in our instant have to have it now society. But in God's economy 371 days was just enough to accomplish what He wanted to do in Noah's life. Just maybe He's doing the same in my life....working things out (sometimes in silence) for me to build an altar of worship to His provision and Glory! Thank you Jesus, I am never alone!

  5. Drew

    January 10, 2012 08:48 AM

    Excellent message Bob. Thank you! Its exactly what I needed to hear today.

  6. Danny

    January 10, 2012 09:33 AM

    Hi Bob, Very Well done and Keep up the encouraging messages..

  7. Linda Jean Butler

    January 10, 2012 10:10 AM

    Thanks Bob. I love hearing from you and the message seems very timely right after the holidays. We had a full house and now everyone is gone back to their respective states. Although I miss them terribly, I know I (and they) are never alone and Praise God - we are all part of His family. Someday we will never have to say goodbye again.

  8. Jaime Matute

    January 10, 2012 10:34 AM

    Hallelujah! Thank you, Bob, for this fantastic message. As I read it on my smart phone, it's like a sermon in my hand. Wonderful wisdom. I praise the lord for you, join the journey and HCBC. Amen.

  9. Cindi Vana

    January 10, 2012 11:45 AM

    Bob, This is such a message of hope. I thank God for your heart!

  10. Maria White

    January 10, 2012 11:50 AM

    FABULOUS message Mr King!

  11. Linda Dickey

    January 12, 2012 08:04 AM

    Psalm 23 is another assurance of His protection and love for us regardless of the circumstance. NIV: The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

  12. Kathy Foxworth

    January 13, 2012 02:52 PM

    Excellent message Bob. As I read through the comments I was struck by how many people felt alone. Then I extrapolated it to the numbers who didn't respond and realized just how lonely we are as a society. Thank you for the reminder that He is with us all the time.

  13. Todd Hall

    January 19, 2012 08:22 AM

    Having heard the story of Noah all of my life, I don't believe I've ever really stopped and considered that Noah went through a crisis. 371 days in a boat, with no knowledge of when you'll be able to get off, and knowing the ENTIRE rest of the earth had been wiped out. You know, I think Noah went through a crisis. Thanks for helping us connect with Noah and bringing perspective. God does "remember" us, as much as we sometimes think he's forgotten us.

  14. Pam Ragusa

    February 6, 2012 10:05 AM

    Thank you for this because someone on my extended family is hurting today and needed to hear this . God is working His power and blessings .

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Bob A. King

Bob A. King

Hello. My name is Bob King. My wife, Marilyn, and I have the unique distinction of both having gone through broken jaws. I broke mine during football practice (running laps.... really) and she broke hers docking a boat; it nearly killed her.

Marilyn and I met at her church in Waterloo, Iowa, when I was in college and she was in high school. God has graciously given us four sons, four daughters-in-law and 14 (really?) grandchildren. We are blessed.

I have lived in CEDAR Rapids, Iowa; CEDAR Falls, Iowa; and now, CEDAR Park, Texas. We are thankful to God for the privilege of living here in Texas.