The Lord stood with me

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Paul related the story in this passage of the time in which he stood for the Lord, and recounted that “no man stood with me.” It could have been when he was on trial or on some other occasion. But at that occasion, “all men” forsook him. No one remained by his side. He had to face the battle alone, without the aid or help of another person. Did not Christ, the epitome of all examples, experience the same thing to a much greater degree. Is it not said of His disciples, that they “forsook Him and fled”? They stood not with Him in His great hour of temptation. He was left alone, yet He was not alone, because the Father was with Him. But then, did not the scene dramatically change at the cross, when our Savior cried out, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” Even His Father turned His back, so that all of our sin could be laid upon the Son. The greatest and darkest hour of Christ’s work for us was accomplished all alone. What a glorious truth is given here! Did not Christ say, “Father, forgive them”? And here Paul says, “I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” This is the spirit of Christ! To forgive those who have forsaken you! To ask God to forget what they have done.

But the most supreme and most beautiful concept that is here portrayed is portrayed through Paul’s subsequent statement: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me.” You see, my friend, you are never truly alone! The Lord is always with you! Jesus said on the cross, “Why hast Thou forsaken me,” so that you and I would never have to utter such words. He is always with us, notwithstanding the loneliness in which we may find ourselves. Not only was the Lord with him, but He also “strengthened him,” that through him the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear. He even delivered Paul from the mouth of the lion! Fear not, beloved! The Lord is with thee, and will strengthen thee! And thou shalt never truly be alone. Rejoice in His presence today, and be mindful of it, never forgetting that He has made sure that you would never be alone. You may always say, “The Lord is with me!”

“Father, thank you for a wonderful and encouraging reminder today—this glorious reminder that you are always with us. Amidst the trials or loneliness of this life, we know that Thou art with us. Thy rod and Thy staff comfort us! Thou preparest a table before us! Thou art leading, helping, abiding close by. Help us to dwell near Thee, and to draw nearer and nearer with each day. May we find solace in your presence, for you always stand with us, and we are never alone with you. We praise you for these things. In Christ’s name, Amen.”