Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
When we are under attack – perhaps facing opposition from other people, or struggling with spiritual depression or a lack of joy – it can be easy to feel isolated. As the psalmist says, 'There is not a good person left; honest people can no longer be found' (12.1). The experience echoes Elijah's, when he flees to Mount Horeb after he faces the prophets of Baal alone: 'I am the only one left – and they are trying to kill me,' he says (1 Kings 19.10). In that case, God tells him that he is not as solitary as he thinks (verse 18).
It can seem as though we're all alone. In an increasingly secular society, it's easy to feel that there's no one who really shares our faith or our values: 'The wicked are everywhere, and everyone praises what is evil' (verse 7). If we aren't careful, this can lead us to feel embattled and defensive – not an attractive or winsome attitude. Elijah was reminded that there were 7,000 others who had 'not bowed the knee to Baal', and we often have more allies than we imagine. But the psalmist urges us most of all to remember God. 'The promises of the Lord can be trusted,' he says; 'they are are genuine as silver refined seven times in the furnace' (verse 6).
When we stop looking around us at our enemies and start looking up to our Friend, we find we aren't alone after all.
God, thank you that you are always with me. Strengthen me to be confident in your power when I feel alone, and help me to reach out to others who might be isolated or in need.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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