Alone ... With God

May 15, 2020

By Patty Kamahele, Administrative Assistant

I remember it like it was yesterday, although it happened many years ago. I woke up to the ringing of the phone in the condo I shared with my roommate. “Why isn’t she answering?” I thought. “The phone is right next to her bed.”

I went into her room and found that she wasn’t moving. “Cherie!!” I cried out. I then ran to our neighbor who went in and confirmed my worst fears. She had passed away in her sleep. What?! This young, healthy, vibrant 25-year-old was gone? There are no words to express my sorrow at losing my closest friend. 

No one could answer the “Why?” and so I clung to the One who would meet me in my pain––Jesus. I knew Cherie was with Him. I used to talk to her about the Lord and even brought her to church. One morning, a few months before her passing, she came to me and said, “I asked Jesus into my heart last night.” We both cried tears of joy. 

During the months that followed her passing, I realized that I could either pull away from the Lord with bitterness, or cling to Him with hope. Although sometimes difficult, I chose the latter. I used to drive up to the park at the top of a mountain where I lived. I would bring my Bible and spend time with the Lord. And although I was there by myself, I was not alone. I could sense His presence. It was my place of hope, comfort, and peace. 

Do you have that place where you meet alone with God? That place of refuge? That shelter during difficult times, like this COVID pandemic? He wants to minister to us, no matter the location. He wants to use His Word to speak to our hearts about Who He is. He desires to spend time with us. Our presence brings Him joy, no matter what state our hearts are in.

“Then He [Jesus] went up on a mountain where He could be alone and pray...” (Matthew 14:23)

May we all be encouraged to follow our Lord’s example. And in so doing, we will never be the same. He is there for us. Always.

Lord, we come to You just as we are. Help us to draw near to You whether our hearts are hurting or they are filled with joy; in the good times and in the bad. That You would want to spend time with us is amazing and blesses our hearts. Please assure us that even in “alone” times, we are never alone. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for caring for us. Thank You for always being there for us. In the Name that is above all names, Jesus. Amen.

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