He is closest when we need Him most

When the Covid pandemic was raging, people must stay indoor for fear of being infected and almost sure of death to follow. What a dreadful situation. Hence, there was so much time staying in the house. Many people resorted to praying to plead to the Lord to spare humankind from the plague. Added to the spiritual refuge is the restless desire to make good use of the time left vacant by the imposed isolation of people.

Before the pandemic, I thought I was already prayerful. I retired ten years before Covid pandemic. During those years, I attended mass daily after praying at dawn before my little altar in the inner porch. There were enough activities to do during the day to meet or work with others. During the pandemic, these activities ceased except for the cleaning chores in the house. Time stood still which was used for praying more. All the time I was praying for long, I was feeling that the Almighty God was up there in the heavens even when I know that He is in us and everywhere.

In May and June of 2023, I decided to have my cataract operation. With the modern technology, many friends I know had their operation done painlessly and for some minutes only. With my desire to continue my enjoyment from reading, I scheduled my operations.

It is common for us to be afraid of operation, no matter how simple it may be. I felt this way until I got an insight during the days I visit a sick neighbor who appreciates my praying with her.

For some months already, I augmented my dawn prayer for the sick by visiting few of my neighbors who live walking distance from our house. I bring along the prayer book, Straight from the Heart and let my sick friend choose what prayer she wants to be read. In one morning prayer, there is a statement which says that with the Lord, we can handle everything. I usually repeat the phrase which I find meaningful and this phrase is one of them. In my repetition, it struck me that I should not only mean this for her but also for me.

Yes, I believe that God loves us and will take care of us especially if we are in doubt, in fear, in distress, or in trouble. Isn’t it that we need someone close to us if we need him/her? How much more for our God, we surely want Him close when we need Him. Since He is a loving God, He will not refuse to be by our side. This may be a very simple idea but it became meaningful to me since I pray for so many intentions in the family and for others. I feel secure knowing and believing that my Lord is at my side nearest to me when I need Him most.

My dear God, You are our Creator, the owner of our lives. You desire only the best for us. You are there watching over us tenderly and lovingly. In whatever circumstance we are in, You are with us. When we are in dire need, You will be with us as close as to let us feel secure and loved. With You, we can handle everything, since You are almighty. Amen!