The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

Exodus 13:22

Have you ever felt alone? No visitors, no one to talk to? Sometimes we feel forgotten.

Feelings can lead to wrong thinking. Wrapped up in ourselves, we lose sight of God’s truth: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5); “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20); “Fear not for I am with you ... I am your God ...” (Isaiah 41:10). These promises help us focus on reality. God is real. His presence is real. He comes to us in his Word and sacraments. He who never changes loves us — yesterday, today, and forever. He showed us by gladly going to the cross in our place to defeat death. We are never without him no matter how we feel.

Jill Rodenbeck
Fort Wayne, IN

Father, help us see your presence with eyes of faith. Amen.

Reflect: Wonder at the clouds imaging a pillar at your side.

Read: Daniel 3:24-25 and Luke 24:28-35