When I was 28, I had a massive hip surgery. I’d never had a wisdom tooth pulled and was utterly terrified. The day of the procedure, I was dull and numb and the world moved in unreal slow motion. ⁣

Thankfully, Mom was there.⁣

There I was, a grown woman, clinging to my mother as she walked me from the house to the hospital to surgery prep. She stayed with me the whole time as I cried and worried, anchoring me with reassurance and an unbreakable hand.⁣

Over and over, she just kept saying, “I’ve got you. I’m right here.”

And she was. Not only did she stay in the waiting room for the entire surgery but she stayed five days in the hospital room, never leaving my side, sleeping in the worst chair, until she could safely take me home.⁣

Every time I opened my eyes, she was right there.⁣

This time of pandemic threatens us not just with sickness but with isolation. Cancellations, closures, and distancing makes the world a scary, empty and lonely place.⁣

But while you might feel lonely, you are never truly alone.⁣

Not shut in your room for 14 days.⁣
Not trapped in the house with a toddler.⁣
Not waiting for a test result.⁣

God is with you and for you.⁣

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” (Gen 28:15)⁣

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” (Isa 41:10)⁣

“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you.” (Jer 1:19)⁣

“I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:20)⁣

Like a loving parent, Abba Father is near in your hour of trial, holding your hand, listening to your anxieties, assuaging fears, and pouring out His own personal peace for you to use.⁣

No matter what the news says or where you are, God is with you. Reach out and take His hand and hear Him reminding you, “I’ve got you. I’m right here.”