Never Alone
In Christ, we are never alone.
Until recent years, I don’t think I really ever believed that statement. Yes, I knew God was with me. Yes, I knew Holy Spirit was in me. Yet, when it came down to it, I took care of me.
I had convinced myself that I was willing to be in relationship with others; I loved my friends. Now, I realize there was always a wall around me. There was always a self-made shield to protect me from whatever might come my way, through them or, in general, through the world.
That is a lonely way to live. The problem – I didn’t know any other way. I wasn’t accustomed to trusting anyone else. Truly, I trusted only myself (and I’m not even sure how much I trusted me).
Fast forward many years, and a large amount of healing. Now I know, I am loved by Jesus and the family of God he has placed me in. I am learning to walk this journey together with others.
The Process
When creating the image, Never Alone, it started with just the knight on a black background. Soon after, I discovered the dove image and added it. For a couple of weeks, I left the picture on my desktop just like that. It was beautiful to me: the encouragement of the dove (Holy Spirit) present with the warrior of God.
Honestly, I was tempted to call the piece done. It touched my heart and encouraged me, but the Lord prompted that it was not complete. One morning sitting down to work, I knew flame clouds needed to be added to represent the intense battles and warfare we experience.
The flames added a dimension to the piece, but still I knew there was something else. Then I heard, “cloud of witnesses”. My heart leapt. Upon finding the picture of the cloud of witnesses and adding it in, I leaned back in my chair, stunned. It was beautiful, brought tears to my eyes.
I was gazing at a message form the Lord…
“You are Never Alone.”
You see, what I realized is that as a Christian, it is absolutely impossible to be alone. Holy Spirit is in me and with me. The cloud of witnesses is cheering me on. Jesus is praying for me, and Father knows me inside and out. I can never be alone.
The Image
One of the enemy’s age-old schemes is to make us feel alone because he is alone, cut off from God. Our inheritance as a child of God is that we are never alone. Even when alone in the physical realm, or when we feel alone emotionally, the truth is we cannot be alone. Holy Spirit is with us and in us. The cloud of witnesses is cheering us on. Jesus is praying for us, and Father knows our true heart. We are positioned to fight in faith with our constant Companion and with the faith offered us of those who have gone before us.
- The fiery clouds represent the trials, troubles, battles, and struggles that we encounter in this life.
- The dove represents Holy Spirit ever with us, pure and containing His own fire to push back the fire of this world.
- The knight represents us, battling, clothed in the armor of God, gaining strength of that which we cannot see in the physical. The Light of God shining upon us with favor and shalom.
- The people in the background represent the great cloud of witnesses that cheer us on. Those who help us by adding their faith to ours.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
So as you walk in this life, know that you may feel alone. It is a favorite weapon in the enemy’s arsenal. Just remember this truth: if you are a believer in Jesus Christ of Nazareth as your Savior, you can never truly be alone.
You are loved, adored, protected, and treasured. May this image and these words bring healing and wholeness to your heart and soul.
Blessings and Love to you.