NO NEVER ALONE

The Christmas season is a very special time, especially for families.  It is a time when many travel great distances to be with loved ones, even if only for a day or two.  It is a time of sharing and giving and loving.  But for others it is a time of great loneliness.  That is especially true for those who have lost loved ones or are too far away to travel home.  For them it can be a time of great despair.  And even if it isn't the holiday season, many folks around us face loneliness every day, for a person who does not have a close friend can be lonely, even in a crowd.  And sometimes we all need the reminder found in Hebrews 13:5, "... for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  There is one who is closer than even a brother.  I don't know if it was a period of loneliness that led Ludie D. Pickett in 1897 to pen the words of this week's choice. I could find no information about her writing this, her only hymn.  But her writing does deal with the presence and help of God in both temptation and in times of suffering.  Mrs. Pickett and her husband were active in the Methodist church, and in the founding of Asbury College, in Kentucky, where Ludie Pickett apparently taught for awhile. Their son went on to become bishop of the Methodist Church in India. During the days of Prohibition, Ludie Pickett also served as president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union in Kentucky. She was outspoken in her condemnation of the use of alcohol.   Possibly her experiences of seeing many who tried to cure their loneliness through the use of alcohol stirred her to pen these words.  But no matter what the inspiration may have been, the words are powerful and true.  He has promised never to leave His children alone.  He has claimed us as His own.  Meditate and rejoice in this powerful truth this week.  You are not alone.

(1)     I've seen the lightning flashing, 
I've heard the thunder roll.

I've felt sin's breakers dashing, 
which almost conquered my soul.

I've heard the voice of my Savior, 
bidding me still to fight on.

He promised never to leave me, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

(2)    The world's fierce winds are blowing, 
temptation sharp and keen.

I have a peace in knowing 
my Savior stands between—

He stands to shield me from danger 
when my friends are all gone.

He promised never to leave me, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

(3)     When in affliction's valley 
I tread the road of care,

My Savior helps me carry 
the cross so heavy to bear;

Though all around me is darkness, 
earthly joys all flown;

My Savior whispers His promise, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

(4)     He died on Calvary's mountain, 
for me they pierced His side.

For me He opened that fountain, 
the crimson, cleansing tide.

For me He waiteth in glory, 
seated upon His throne.

He promised never to leave me, 
never to leave me alone!

No, never alone, no never alone,

He promised never to leave me,

He'll claim me for His own;

No, never alone, no never alone.

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

Since this hymn is so old it has been very hard to find a good video of it.  But I did fine one and while it isn't too great, at least the words and the melody are sung,  You can listen to it here.   LISTEN