Daily Devotional

So many people I talk to are struggling with loneliness. These conversations have prompted me to share an experience I had as a JARON missionary in the Czech Republic in 2019. I hope my experience can be an encouragement.

 “Click. Clack. Thud.” My suitcase is quite noisy as I drag it along the cobblestone streets of Prague, Czech Republic. I have just finished teaching a group of ministry leaders and pastors’ wives. I have been to many countries around the world, but this is the first time my husband and I have ministered in separate locations.  

 Hana, my new friend and interpreter from the retreat, is guiding me to the hotel where I will spend the night. We turn into an alley, my suitcase complaining all the way. Upon entering the hotel lobby, Hana makes arrangements with the desk clerk. I don’t understand a word of their language. Hana says goodbye and I make my way across the lobby as my suitcase hums across the smooth floor.  

 I step inside my room and lock it snugly. A quick glance tells me I have all I need. Pulling aside the window drapes I see the alley. Dropping the drapes back, I am struck with the reality I am truly alone! I hear my heartbeat. My only companion is my suitcase. I lift it to a bench and zip it open flat. The sound of being alone is loud. Every simple movement I make seems to scream,  “I am really alone!” I finally admit to myself how afraid I am:
 
What if something happens and I need help? The desk clerk does not speak English. I swiftly  grab my phone and adapter/charger and plug it into the wall. Good, I have a phone! In an  emergency, I could call my dear husband, but he is so far away. He really could not come  to my rescue here. I could call Hana. What if she doesn’t answer?  
 
 I take my Bible out and it makes a plopping sound on the bed. Sitting down on the edge of the bed I feel sheer panic begin to rise. Verses begin to pop into my mind, like popcorn popping on a hot stove.  
 
 Pop! Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  
 
 Pop! Psalm 56:3 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”  
 
 Pop! “Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
 
 Pop! 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in  weakness.”  
 
Finally, I acknowledge the presence of God in my room:
 
 “Thank you Holy Spirit for bringing to my mind your Word!” I am not alone!”  
 I chuckle out loud as I remember one of the topics I just taught to the women was on loneliness. As I snuggle under the covers and my head drops to the pillow, another verse pops in my mind.  
 
 Pop! Proverbs 3:24 “If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep  will be sweet.”  
 
 I wake refreshed and victorious in the morning. Hana arrives on time and we wave to the hotel clerk and step outside. My long journey home has begun. Hana and I chat pleasantly as we walk down the cobblestone alley. My suitcase sings behind me: “Click. Clack. Thud. I am not alone. God is with us.”

For Parents and Grandparents:

1. Teach your kids that God is always with them. Help them memorize Matthew 28:20.
   
   
2. Tell your kids about something you did that was really scary and how you overcame your fear with God’s help.
   
   
3. Inspire your kids to embrace adventure. Help them do something scary and hard, knowing that they will always have God with them.