One of us
I don’t know if you remember the words of the Joan Osborne
song of the same title, it was a hit in 1995 and has been covered a few times since. It explores the idea of God having
an understanding of what it is like to live and face the many challenges that
this life brings.
The Christian belief is that God does indeed have a clear understanding
of what it is to live and face the challenges. He knows this because of His decision
to send His son Jesus to live among us. The words used at Christmas sum this up
so clearly – Emmanuel, God with us.
In assembly this week I have been exploring with the children
what it feels like to be lonely, to feel that no one is interested in you or
cares for you. The discussion produced some powerful emotions and images.
Our verse over the coming weeks is from Joshua, when God
commands his people to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid. Why? Because
He is with them, never leaving their side.
Our assembly discussion led us to acknowledge that we all
feel lonely at times, but that in these times we can rely on the truth that God
is always with us.
Our reflection was based on the famous poem – footprints in
the sand, a very visual reminder that God is always with us, even when we do
not feel it, He is most certainly still there.
