I'll Never Walk Alone

 

        There’s a song that has been around for many years called, “You'll Never Walk Alone.”  My favorite version is sung by Elvis Presley because he sings with such feeling.  It makes me think about how much worrying I do.  I cringe when I say that, because worry is actually a sin, since it means I am not trusting God to handle things!  Yet, it’s something I haven’t been able to quite stop, although I’m much better than I used to be.

Anxiety and worry is a human condition.  We, as a culture, do this so much, many people are on medication for it and some become so overwhelmed, they can’t see past the worry and will commit suicide, as they feel it’s the only way past their personal circumstance.

I was reading recently about a young man who during his middle school years dealt with massive anxiety and worry since he found himself, at least three times, in a single year with a major physical injury due to playing sports, specifically basketball.  He nearly became consumed with the fear that whenever he played, he’d be again injured and not only require another hospital or doctor visit, but be sidelined and not even be able to play.

It sounds a little odd to think of a young person having such fear, but totally legitimate.  What is more common, is to look at adults (me included) who fret and worry over things over which we have no control.  Some have trouble sleeping as waves of anxiety washes over because of an illness that seems all consuming.  

One friend was so afraid of dying a death of heart issues like his father and  brother, that he took his own life.  Before his death he spoke often of how he feared this, and didn’t want his wife to have to live with this kind of condition.

Others fight fear of bankruptcy because finances are out of control and they are nearing losing their home and all material belongings.  Still, there are those who are overwhelmed with other kinds of fears and worries that are personal in nature and we can’t possibly understand.

What is remarkable, is each of these situations could be countered by a conversation with our Creator and Savior.  While we might not receive the immediate answer we are looking for, we can absolutely accept the peace and understanding from a God who cares about every one of our needs, regardless of the level of intensity.  But we have to be willing to accept the Father is listening, when we cry out for help.

As we begin another New Year, perhaps it’s time to recognize that we really don’t ever walk alone.  God is always with us, every week, every day, every moment!

Elvis Presley singing "You'll Never Walk Alone"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H9T7427EbI    

Photo Credit: https://www.dreamstime.com/climber-giving-hand-to-another-two-climbers-