Reflection: Divine presence

“‘I promise,” says Christ, ‘because you cling to me, I’ll rescue you. Because you trust in me you are safe. I’ve suffered where you are and we’re in this together.” (Author’s paraphrase of Psalm 91:14, through New Testament eyes) 

Alone Australia. Have you watched it? The T.V. series one of our daughters won’t go near. She’s boycotting it. In principle it goes against who we we’re made to be, says she. And yes, isn’t that the point. It makes good viewing because strong, independent people realise, under different degrees of pressure, scarcity and loneliness, that they’re not self-sufficient.  

Pare someone back to the core and you’ll hear expletives and prayers of desperation, even if it’s just the camera listening. Mike and I watch the show at the dinner table. (Something one might stoop to after 40 years of marriage.) In one episode, one of the heroines was soliloquising about how the solitude isn’t getting to her. ‘True, there are no people, but I have so much company; the whole world is alive.’ But further philosophising brings her to tears, only to admit that she does really need a hug; needs to be vulnerable; needs people. (Gina: Alone Australia, Episode 9). 

Alone in the Lions’ Den would make for a great series. The apostle Paul claims to be a contestant: “… everyone deserted me … But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). So too, were/are many martyrs of our faith. One crucial fact makes all the difference for contestants who know and trust the living Lord Jesus. These are his own comforting words: “I am with you. With you to save. With you to the end” (see Matthew 28:20). 

Prayer:

Pare me back Lord, if that’s what it takes to make me vulnerable and hungry — if that’s what it takes to make me conscious of your daily presence and cling to you. Take any measures necessary that I might treasure you and your love more than life itself. Comfort your trusting people in and through today’s trials with your sweet and certain companionship. And keep us filled with hope for an eternity in your company.  

(Recognising how audacious this prayer is, repeat it … slowly.)