Never Alone

When you think of companionship you think of a friend, a lover, a spouse or even a dog. But even with all of these, we are alone in this world with our hurts, disappointments, and illnesses. Oh, it's nice to have someone to talk to, to sit with you, hold your hand, or even to defend you, but they cannot be really at one with us no matter how close they are. So ultimately we are alone. The proof is death. No one can take that journey with you, you go by yourself.

Willard says that this would be true, but for God. He talks about how God can dwell with our innermost being becoming intertwined with us and enveloping us with his loving companionship. No one else can do this and only with God can we be never alone. Willard says:

The final and complete blessing and ultimate good, the summum bonum of humankind, comes to those with lives absorbed in the Way of Christ--life in the presence of God.

Why do we fear no evil in the valley of the shadow of death? The Psalmist says in 23:4 "For You are with me; Your rod and your staff comfort me." I find it interesting that the final punishment for those who reject God is the ultimate in suffering: aloneness--separation from the presence of God. Apart from God we suffer aloneness. With God we enjoy, true companionship.

Psalm 51:11 (NKJV)

Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Psalm 16:11b (NKJV)

n Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.