“We are not alone.” If this phrase conjures up images of aliens, flying saucers, and outer space, then you’re probably like many others who have accepted Hollywood’s version of this catch phrase. But there’s also a biblical meaning to it that can’t be ignored. When we face life’s inevitable pain and struggles, God’s promise to walk with us in our darkest times means we’ll never have to walk alone.

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He comes to live inside us. His Holy Spirit will always guide and advise us, and He won’t leave us. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).  Regardless of whatever troubles or obstacles we may encounter, when God Himself is on our side, ultimately we will be victorious.

The world operates in fear, but when God is walking with us, His strength helps us overcome fear.  In the Old Testament, God promised His people He would be with them no matter what happened. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:10, 13, NKJV). This promise still holds true today. When we welcome Him into our life, He becomes our heavenly Father in the wilderness Who takes our hand and leads us out of danger.

There will be times when life completely blindsides us, and we have no idea how to handle those unexpected situations when they pop up. People who don’t have Jesus could completely fall apart. But when we can’t go another step, we have someone Who will carry us through our spiritual wilderness when our own strength fails. “Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isaiah 46:4, NKJV).

We can rely on this, because His Word—every bit of it—is true. God’s love for us is strong enough to overcome any force that attempts to come between us and Him. He sees us as His children, and nothing can tear us away from His constant presence in our lives. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”  (Romans 8:38, 39).

Meditating on this and letting it sink down into our heart gives us a peace that the world doesn’t have. Trying to handle trials and challenges through our own self-effort is exhausting. God tells us to spiritually rest in Him, and wherever we go in life, He’ll go with us. “And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Exodus 33:14). Whenever we feel alone and isolated in the midst of a situation, we should remember that God will never abandon us.