Written By: Mary Martinez

The other night, shortly after putting my daughter to bed, I heard her faint cry on the baby monitor. I waited a moment to see if she’d go back to sleep, but her cry only intensified. I could tell she was distressed, so I hurried to her room and opened the door. In the darkness, I could see her small figure sitting up in bed, searching for me. I quickly reached down and picked her up in my arms. 

It’s okay, love, mama is here. 

I reassured her. I wiped her tears away and kissed her sweet little forehead. My voice and embrace settled her. She nuzzled into my chest, looked up at me, then nuzzled close again. I held and rocked her until her breathing slowed, and she was back to sleep. I laid her down into bed then stood there for a moment, watching to make sure she was sleeping peacefully again.

In the stillness of that moment, I was reminded of our ever-present Heavenly Father, who always hears our cries. (Psalm 34:17) His ear is attentive to us. He is ready and willing to embrace us in His mighty arms, comforting us with His peace and love.

Though sometimes we may feel completely alone, we are never really alone. God has promised never to leave us. (Deuteronomy 31:8) For a moment, we may feel that God is distant, but God’s Word says if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. (James 4:8). All we have to do is cry out to our Heavenly Father. He has called us His children, and we are His. (1 John 3:1)

If you have been feeling lonely lately, cling to God’s promises and call out to Him in prayer, asking Him to send His holy presence to surround you. You are not alone; God is with you now and forever.

Challenge: 

Write out these scriptures on sticky notes, place them in a place you can visually see, and read the verses several times a day this week.

“The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) 

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” (1 John 3:1)

Written By: Mary Martinez