God's Glory Church

“Because You are with me.” — Psalm 22:4

At seven in the evening, Huey Liang finished his leftover rice and fish balls in his kitchen. Chua’s family was also having dinner in the apartment next door. Their cheerful laughter and lively conversation could be clearly heard in the silence of Huei Liang’s apartment, where he lived alone after his wife’s death. He humbled himself with his loneliness. Over the years, the sharp pain of loss has dulled and he has learned to bear it. But today, the sight of a half-empty bowl and a pair of chopsticks pierced him to the core.

Before going to sleep, he read his favorite Psalm 22. The most important words to him in this Psalm were also the shortest: “For You are with me” (v. 4). Huey Liang found special comfort not in the shepherd’s practical care for his sheep, but in his constant presence and attention to all the details of their lives (vv. 2-5). This brought peace to my heart.

Knowing that someone is around brings great comfort to lonely people. God promises His children that He will always love them (Ps. 102:17) and never leave them (Heb. 13:5). When we feel alone and forgotten, whether it’s in the kitchen at night, or on the bus on the way home from work, or even in a crowded store, let’s remember that the good Shepherd is looking at us with love. We can always confidently say: “You are with me.”

When do you usually feel lonely? What does Psalm 22 say about loneliness?

Loving God, thank you for always being with me.

Author: Karen Huang