What is “always?” It means something that is constant, continual, regular and without ceasing. I love the word “always” because it holds so much hope.
I would like to think I could “always” receive — and give – a donation to help someone who is homeless. Likewise, I would like to think I will always be happy and feel that life will never fail me.
But reality says I won’t.
As good as this word sounds, it struggles to live up to its potential – unless you are thinking about the promises of Jesus’s presence.
For anyone who fears facing this homeless problem on their own, Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 “’I am with you always.” Even when “Heaven and earth will pass away,” His words will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35)
The writer to the Hebrews, Paul, reminds us that Jesus said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I will always be by your side.”
The Lord is our help and our protector. Always.
So, no matter how scared you feel as a homeless person or how endless the struggle may seem — hold on.
Our future may not look that bright and the road may seem long. We will get weary. I say again, “Encourage yourself to hold on.”
The Holy Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16-17)
Always hold on.
When trying to bring homelessness to an end, we need to use hospitality to destroy hostility. We need to use reconciliation with yourself and each other.
God is always watching. To lead, protect and provide for you. To heal and comfort you. To counsel you and love you. To care for you and share with you. And the list goes on and on.
So too may God always bless those who give or receive a donation to try and bring homelessness to an end.
Please, in the name of Jesus Christ, keep your head up and keep looking up.
Amen.
