First Sunday of Advent (Ps) November 27th

Psalm 13:1-6
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ps 13:1-6). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Have you ever felt forgotten? Have you ever felt left out? Have you ever sat in the middle of a crowded arena or coffee shop and felt alone? I have to admit there are times in my life when even the person sitting next to me seems so distant. The Psalmist feels this way about God. God has left his people to their own misery and despair.

Some people like to be alone. But most people do not want to feel cut off. They desire to connect to something or someone. God is there with you. No matter how alone you feel, God is with you. He is there in the crowded arena or coffee shop. He is there in the locked room. God is always with you. You might not always notice it, but that does not mean he isn't there.

God loved you so much that he sent his son to die for you. God loved you so much that he created you, and gave you people to look after and care for you. God loved you so much that he sent his Holy Spirit to make a home with you. God has prevailed over all your enemies. God has awakened you from death. He has even promised to be with you. When you feel alone or left out, turn to God. He always has a proverbial shoulder to cry on.