Freedom in Christ Course
Devotion
He's always there 20 February 2021
I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

In the early 1980s I counselled a Christian young woman who was languishing in deep spiritual, mental and emotional torment. She wrote:

Dear God,

Where are You? How can You watch and not help me? I hurt so bad, and You don't even care. If You cared You'd make it stop or let me die. I love You, but You seem so far away. I can't hear You or feel You or see You, but I'm supposed to believe You're here. Lord, I feel them and hear them. They are here. I know You're real, God, but they are more real to me right now. Please make someone believe me, Lord. Why won't You make it stop? Please, Lord, please! If You love me You'll let me die.

A Lost Sheep

Many Christians I deal with are filled with such confusion that their daily walk with Christ is unfulfilling and unproductive. When they try to pray, they begin thinking about a million things they should be doing. When they sit down to read the Bible, they can't concentrate. When they have an opportunity to serve the Lord in some way, they are brought up short by discouraging thoughts of self-doubt.

Having found freedom, "The Lost Sheep" penned a response to her own prayer based on her new understanding of God's provision in Christ.

My Dear Lost Sheep,

You ask Me where I am. My child, I am with you and I always will be. You are weak, but in Me you are strong. I am so close that I feel everything you feel. Be crucified with Me and I will live in you, and you shall live with Me. I will direct you in paths of righteousness. My child, I love you and I will never forsake you, for you are truly Mine. Love, God

Loving Shepherd, thank You for tending me and feeding me daily, showing me that I am precious to You.

Neil Anderson