“I will not leave you orphaned.” -Jesus

At some point we all want, or even need to hear, these words. They speak directly to some of our greatest fears and challenges: abandonment and isolation, loneliness, vulnerability. They remind us that we are not destined to walk this earth without identity or direction. We do not stand alone.

To be sure there are seasons of life, moments, when the transitions, changes and tragedies can leave us feeling as orphans. Whether spoken or unspoken the questions begin. What will I do now? Where do I go? What happens next? Who stands on my side? What will become of me? Those are the orphan’s questions. Those are the questions I imagine ran through the heads and hearts of the disciples with Jesus’ crucifixion.

Over and over, day after day, regardless of what is happening in our lives that is Jesus’ promise. We have not been abandoned. Do not abandon yourselves or others to the orphanages of this world. Love with all that you are and that you have, even as God loves us with all that God is and that God has.

Loving God,
Thank you that you see us right where we are, in the middle of our desert land. Thank you that you have not forgotten us and never will. We choose to set our eyes on you today. We choose joy and peace. Thank you that you care for us and your love for us is so great. Fill us fresh with your Spirit, renew our hearts and minds in your truth. We ask for your hope and comfort to continue to heal our hearts where they’ve been broken. Give us the courage to face another day, knowing that with you before us and behind us, we have nothing to fear. Amen.