“You have shown me the path to life, and you make me glad by being near to me. Sitting at your right side, I will always be joyful.”—Psalm 16:11 (CEV)

Trying to meet social needs during this time isn’t always easy. If the weather is nice, taking a walk outside or a bike ride is something that can lift my spirits. I also use it as a way to pray for my neighbors and our nation. Another way I have tried to stay connected is through FaceTime calls with groups of friends. 

This past week when I sent out a group text, one of the ladies who is always good about responding one way or another, didn’t join us. I thought, “I need to reach out to her and check on her.” I got busy and forgot. The next morning, she was on my mind as soon as I woke up, so I wrote her name on my “to do” list to make sure I checked on her after my morning devotions.

Before I started my quiet time, I felt led to reinstall my Spotify app. I opened a random Christian playlist so that I could have some “soaking” time before I spent time in prayer. As the second song was ending, I glanced at the name of the song and who sang it. I felt prompted to look up the lyrics and then the video. Nothing. So, I thought, okay Lord, I guess You aren’t trying to speak to me through this song like I thought.

After my quiet time, I sent a text to my friend. It turned out that she wasn’t up for our group video chat because the next day (that day) was the anniversary date of her husband’s death. I had no idea. I felt awful for not contacting her the prior day.

However, as I have learned, everything is about God’s perfect timing. As I was getting ready later that day, I felt the Holy Spirit impress on my heart to send her the YouTube video of the song I had heard that morning, so I did. When she responded, she said that a man in the video really stood out to her because he was wearing the exact shirt that her husband had owned and even looked like him! Let me point out, I had NEVER heard of this group or this version of the song. 

The blessing was, despite my disobedience for not reaching out to her the day before, God made sure that she knew He saw her tears. She was grateful that God gave her a glimpse of His glory through that song. How many other times do I miss the mark when I feel those nudges and ignore them? I am sure plenty but when I get an affirmation like this, there is no other explanation for what happened besides Divine Intervention.

Even though she was on my mind when I woke up, hearing that song and watching the video was all about me. I thought God was trying to speak to ME with that song, but I was the vessel He chose to use to bless someone else with it. I had no idea that song was so that my friend would feel God’s loving arms around her. Fortunately, I wrote the song name in my journal so I could go back and find it. It was His way to provide a much-needed hug that I couldn’t personally give her. What a picture to think about how God wrapped His arms around her to comfort her to let her know He loves her, and she matters to Him.

In all honesty, I had been a little down because with this whole stay-at-home thing. I was questioning if I was doing anything to help others? I felt guilty praying and asking God for affirmation that He was with me. I was doubting His closeness to me. As I would pray Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done, when I got to the tell God what you need, I was asking for Him to show me that I was listening to His voice. What a sweet way to do that through sharing a song with a friend who was hurting. 

You never know when that text or phone call is what you are supposed to do unless you do it! So many people are home alone without much human contact. Did someone come to mind as you read this? Do you feel the need to be more intentional about staying in touch with them? This is a win-win. Not only are you meeting some of your own social needs to stay connected, but you are also doing the same for someone else. 

 Dear Lord,

Forgive me when I doubt Your presence. Thank You for Your Word in Psalm 16:11. You have shown the path to live and make me glad by being near to me. Help me to remember that You are by my right side and for that reason alone, I should always be joyful. Help me to stay connected to both You and others this week. Use me to be an encouragement to others. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen. 

May Memory Verse

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” —Psalm 46:1

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