by Anna Haiar

Never Alone

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“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18 English Standard Version

I recently had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the Northern Lights from our home in Colorado. To say that we were awestruck would be an understatement! Standing under the vast night sky, viewing one of the most incredible occurrences our universe has to offer, left me in utter reverence for our created world. The beauty feels vast and unreachable—so far beyond me that words fell short. Sometimes, in the middle of our own quiet struggles, God can feel that way too: breathtaking, powerful… but distant.

Yet Scripture tells another story. The same God who formed the auroras—the One who hung the stars in their places and orders the solar winds—is the God who draws near to His people. He does not admire us from afar or watch our lives like distant constellations. He steps into our darkness. He enters our fear. He bends low to lift the brokenhearted.

There are times in life where we might feel small, but we are not forgotten. The heavens declare the glory of God not to show us how far away He is, but to remind us that the Creator of all things chooses to be near. This is the heartbeat of the Gospel: the God who spoke galaxies into existence also took on human flesh in Christ Jesus, walked among sinners, and carried our griefs to the cross. This God does not retreat from our pain. He meets us in it.

When nights feel long and prayers feel unanswered, we may be tempted to believe we are alone. But God’s nearness is not dependent on our ability to see it. His promises remain steady even when our feelings shift like the sky. Through His Word and Sacraments, He continually comes to us with forgiveness, comfort, and hope. Even when the night is deep, God is moving. Even when we feel abandoned, God is nearer than our own breath.

You are not alone. The Lord who commands the heavens also holds you, sees you, and remains faithfully close.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado