I love the song, “Because He lives” written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. It is so uplifting! Maybe not so for my husband, and even my cat and dog, who have heard me belt that out often! It may not be such a beautiful sound to them, but it fills my soul with hope and it resettles my fears to their rightful place, behind me. Because He lives, we can face any trial because we are not alone! God tells Joshua, after Moses’ death, when he felt very alone…

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Did the title of this devotion, “Those three little words” make you think of “I love you?” Those are three words that warm a heart for sure, but my favorite three words are “Because He lives.” How many situations have I faced with hope because of Jesus? Too many to count! How many have you faced and gotten through because He lives?

Here is when I first realized God never leaves us. It is when my mom left us. She died. In fact, from age 12 to about 18, I had six people in my family die. My grandpa died, I found my Nana dead after family camp one year, an aunt and uncle were shot and killed, a very close, special uncle died, and then… When I was a teen, my world suddenly collapsed further. My Mom died too! I totally lost direction and I had no clue how to navigate the new, unfamiliar world that didn’t include her. My three words to God were, “Why me, Lord?” Why my mom? She loved you. I need her. Lord, it hurts! I feel lost! Dad is hurting. He can’t cope.

I know, without a doubt, that you can relate to my story because we all have deep loss. We are all broken and trying to cope. Just as I am sorry I had loss, I am sorry you did as well. I hope that what pulled me out of misery all those years ago, the thought that I wasn’t alone, can help you as well. God was with me. He loved me and He helped me through college and becoming an adult. I kept hearing the Lord tell me…”You may not have this, but I do. I have your back. Use me.” That is what He is saying to us, just as He did to Joshua. In three words, He is saying, “I won’t leave. I promise you. Have no fear. I am God. I am yours. Please use me.”

When things do not make sense in this world, remember we are not of this world. We are here for a moment and then we will have a huge family reunion in Heaven! We cannot possibly understand God’s reasons for trials on earth but we can know for sure that He knows what He is doing and we are not alone! He is GOD, always has been.

He is not new at His job! He is with us in good times and in bad times, always has been. He is God alone, but we are not a people alone. Isn’t He so awesome?!

…So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God…it is not wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5-9, “

If there was ever a time we needed hope, it is right now. Please remember that we can always have hope because He lives. Knowing that brings peace in the middle of craziness. Only God can do that!

Dear God,

Today I hurt for others that are going through unexpected and unwanted hurt. It doesn’t make sense to them and they think they will never get over it. Hug them for me, because You know who they are. Flood their hearts with Your amazing hope that comes from knowing we are never alone, Because You Live! Thank You, God for Your love and mercy that lifts us from despair to a place of hope in You. It is nothing we can do ourselves, so we are so grateful. You put light where there is dark! Words cannot describe how much we love You! Amen

Love and prayers to You all. May God bless you much!

Just me. Just His.

Tina