For All the Lonely People
As I walked around a few of the malls in Singapore over the weekend, somewhat shocked to see almost all the Christmas decorations up already, it occurred to me that it'll be Christmas in just over a month's time! How quickly this year has come and gone!
I was actually reading through my journal not too long ago and came across an entry that I wrote about this time last year. I had just found out that my dad might have cancer. I was staying alone in the flat in London as my parents went back to Singapore for treatment and the stress of teacher training was just beginning to mount. In my journal, I noted that it was the first time in a very long time that I felt alone (you may be surprised at that me being an only child and all but it's true). I suppose it is no coincidence that I read that journal entry since in the last couple of weeks I found myself talking to quite a number of people about loneliness, not just any people but Christians also. Isn't it strange that we can be surrounded by friends, good friends and more than that, we can even know that God has promised never to leave nor forsake us, and yet still feel alone?
In the journey that we are all on, perhaps sometimes it feels like we are walking alone even if somewhere in the back of our minds, we know we're not. We feel that there are people who we cross paths with who stop to pray with us and talking deep with us and we appreciate them but they are on their own journey too and what we want, what we long for is someone to join us on our journey. Besides the selfishness of that line of thought, I think we... and by that I mean I, sometimes forget that I am not called to walk my own path but called to follow after Jesus and to walk with Him. He is the one that will lead is in paths of righteousness. It is in His presence that we experience fullness of joy. He is Emmanuel. Even my closest friends, my family, can't always be available to just hang out even if they wanted to but Jesus is always there and we have yet to discover just how wonderful it is to just be in His presence. Not because we need something from Him but because we realise that what we need IS Him. I confess that especially recently I enter the Lord's presence just wanting to unload everything that I don't want and wanting to get answers, wanting everything else but Christ Himself. That's a lot to miss out on...
Anyway, was challenged by a song that spoke about enjoying the presence of God and wanted to share the lyrics with you but before I do, wanted to also leave you with these verses and trust that as Christmas approaches around the corner, you will not miss out on discovering the absolute wonder of Jesus being Emmanuel, God with us.
'I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will dwell securely. For Thou will not abandon my soul to Sheol; neither wilt Thou allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay. Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.' - Psalm 16:7-11
'Here With Me'
by MercyMe
I long for your embrace
Every single day
To meet you in this place
And see you face to face
Will you show me?
Reveal yourself to me
Because of your mercy
I fall down on my knees
And I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love
You're everywhere I go
I am not alone
You call me as your own
To know you and be known
You are holy
And I fall down on my knees
I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love
I surrender to your grace
I surrender to the one who took my place
I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender:
I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love
Every single day
To meet you in this place
And see you face to face
Will you show me?
Reveal yourself to me
Because of your mercy
I fall down on my knees
And I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love
You're everywhere I go
I am not alone
You call me as your own
To know you and be known
You are holy
And I fall down on my knees
I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love
I surrender to your grace
I surrender to the one who took my place
I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender:
I can feel your presence here with me
Suddenly I'm lost within your beauty
Caught up in the wonder of your touch
Here in this moment I surrender to your love
Quick Update:
I realise that I didn't really update you on what's been going on above so just a few things that I thought you might be interested to know for prayer and praise. As you know, my parents are currently back in London due to come back over to Asia next week (please refer to our family itinerary for details). With many changes up ahead in terms of family ministry, please pray for direction in terms of ministry base and pray for continued grace on both my parents. Although my dad feels that he's been taking it slow the last year, it has been the opposite for my mum and perhaps it is a little difficult resolving that at times. You can also continue to pray for me as I continue to wait (yes, that's correct, I'm still waiting...) for OM Australia and OM Singapore to work out details of my application. Pray that as I wait, I will not be discouraged but will continue to keep my eyes fixed on Him who has called me to be faithful in doing good.
Thanks and sorry for the lack of details this time around. If you'd like to know more, please don't hesitate to get in touch. :)
