There is a story told of a tribe of Indians
A boy when he was on the threshold of manhood at the age of twelve
was tested for bravery and his endurance for loneliness
When it was dark he was taken deep into the forest
He was left there without food or light of any kind
He had to spend the night there by himself to be considered a man
All of his life he had been with his family and friends
never before had he been completely alone
with no one to talk to or keep him safe
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Through the night he could hear the night sounds in the woods
the cries of wild animals - the shriek of predator birds
the wind howling in the branches of the trees
Alone for the first time in his life he waited for the morning light
Alone lonely and fearful - he thought of his family
He would have new responsibilities now that he was reaching manhood
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With the morning came the bird's song
the sweet smell of flowers he had not seen in the dark
Beautiful trees in a circle were around him
He looked and saw a man - his father - standing a few yards away
He stood with an arrow loaded in his bow
standing guard over his son through the dark night
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This is a picture of us when we are alone and afraid
Jesus our Saviour - is standing guard over us
all we have to do is cast our eyes upon Him
We are never truly alone
We can always turn to Him for companionship - comfort and protection
He promised He would never leave us or forsake us
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When the sense of isolation is crushing us
His assurance is "I am with you
I will watch over you wherever you go
I will not leave you"
Knowing we are not alone we can go on