The parking lot view from my Indianapolis apartment stood in stark contrast to the storybook charm I’d left in Needham, MA. The shrubs Hoosiers called trees couldn’t compare with New England’s brilliant maples. The woman I replaced on my new ministry team sold me her twin bed and chest of drawers. An old trunk I’d used to carry my few belongings was the only familiar piece of furniture in my tiny bedroom.
My former team of single adults had lived in two houses. We walked to each other’s houses. I felt an immediate affinity with my housemate. We even wore matching blouses my first night in Needham at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor when the team celebrated my arrival.
My new Indiana team, composed of marrieds and singles, spread out over a wider area. Everyone had their own circle of friends. My first Sunday afternoon of free time allowed an inner ache to seep in and remind me I didn’t know a single soul in the whole state to call. In those days, long distance was a luxury.
Jesus Heard Me
My mood had begun to slip when the Holy Spirit threw me a lifeline in the form of a Scripture:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1 KJV).
Yes! Thank you, Lord. If I need a friend, You’ll provide one. You know and meet all my needs.
The phone jangled an amen to my prayer. It was probably for my housemate who was out. “Hello.”
One of the guys from my former team said, “Hi.” He too was settling into a new assignment in a new state. His call confirmed my Shepherd’s care for me.
God has used Psalm 23 to minister to me many times and in many ways. When my daughter was very young, we memorized the Living Bible version together.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.
Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.
You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!
Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.”
Jesus Hears You
God cares about our needs and invites us to bring Him our requests (Phil. 4:6-7). He may not supply in the way we imagine. Sometimes, He allows us to feel lack in one area to meet a deeper need. My loneliness showed me how close Jesus is to me. He felt the ache in my heart and reminded me He cared. If He hadn’t awakened my faith first, the phone call may have heightened my feelings of loss instead of abating them.
I don’t know what personal need you have today. But Jesus hears your heartache. He stands ready to provide wisdom, comfort, encouragement, and tangible resources. By faith, open your heart and receive His love and provision today. The Good Shepherd provides everything we need—even something as small as a phone call.
Blessings,
Give Yourself a Break: Get to know your shepherd better and find the soul rest only He can give.
My loneliness showed me how close Jesus is to me. He felt the ache in my heart. #RefreshingFaith, #JesusLovesMe Share on XSometimes I link with these great sites:
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Amen. God loves us. 🙂
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
I’ve been really meditating over this Psalm a lot lately…thinking about what is really says . I didn’t think to look at another version – this really gives me even more to contemplate. I love words and how beautiful the Bible’s words are!
Stephanie, I like looking at different translations too. So rich.
He never fails to respond – sometimes it’s me who fails to stop, get quiet and ask. Thanks Debbie.
Me too, Ann!
Thanks for this reminder. God never leaves us without himself.
Well said, Theresa!
What a wonderful post Ms. Debbie. The friend from your old team wasn’t named “Larry” by chance was he? 🙂 I too love how God hears us and listens to our pleas. What always amazes me is how He listens to us even though He (many times) has already started working on providing for our needs. He is indeed, our on-time, every-time, all-the-time God. Thank you for your inspiring post. I so needed this reminder today. God’s blessings my friend.
“He is indeed, our on-time, every-time, all-the-time God.” Love that J.D. And no, it wasn’t Larry. 🙂
Debbie, your story reminds me to look for Him instead of focusing on feelings, however warranted they may be. He understands and provides—even when we aren’t aware. Thanks, Debbie.
Amen, Jeannie. He is truth! Our feelings can lie to us.
Isn’t it beautiful to know that God is already planning and providing for us before we’re even in the situation? He’s so amazing to map out every tiny detail. Thanks for sharing your story!
Leigh, your words remind me of when God had already sent Aaron to help Moses before Moses asked for someone else! He is amazing!
“He felt the ache in my heart and reminded me He cared.” It’s so comforting to know God feels my aches as if they were His own.
Yes it is. Thank you, Annie.
I love the promise of, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” When loneliness or hopelessness threaten me, I cling to this and know I am never alone. Our shepherd guides and guards us.
Barbara, that is one of my favorite promises too. “Even to the end of the age!”
“Jesus hears our heartache.” What a sweet message of love. Our Father surrounds us with His peace and comfort as He guides us through the trial. Thank you for this uplifting message, Debbie.
Thank you, Katherine!
A good story told well. The Lord is our Shepherd, and He fills all our needs.
Thank you, Nancy. He is and does!