You’ll never walk alone.

“You’ll never walk alone.” Isn’t that a comforting thought?

Or – are you scratching your head, saying to yourself, “I have walked alone. More than once I’ve been all by myself.”

To walk alone doesn’t even necessarily mean that there is no one else around. Walking alone can imply that even though there are plenty of people you’re close to, people who love you and enjoy your company, you are still alone. At the least, you feel isolated and misunderstood. You’re dealing with thoughts and emotions that separate you from everyone else.

Because, dang it, other folks don’t “get” you.

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a Rogers and Hammerstein song from the musical, Carousel. Wikipedia notes that besides the recordings of the song on the Carousel cast albums and the film soundtrack, the song has been recorded by many artists, with notable hit versions made by Roy Hamilton,^[4] Frank Sinatra, Roy Orbison, Billy Eckstine, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Lee Towers, Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Andy Williams, Glen Campbell, Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn Bridge, Olivia Newton-John and Doris Day. Progressive rock group Pink Floyd took a recording by the Liverpool Kopchoir, and “interpolated” it into their own song, “Fearless“, on their 1971 album Meddle .

In recent days, it’s also become something of an anthem of encouragement in the world of COVID-19. And in football/soccer, too.

Check these lyrics:

When you walk through a storm hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of a storm is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never, ever walk alone.

So that should be comforting, right? Then why does it sometimes ring hollow?

I’m not sure why we so often have trouble internalizing this sentiment. We struggle to make it a reality.

So, on those days when we feel boxed in and so desire for someone to “get” us, what do we do?

Sometimes you simply have to face reality. You will have a challenge that only you can manage. Perhaps you’ve had incidents in your past that have prepared you for it. Maybe someone has invested in you and has had to move on. But this time … it’s all on you.
You have to understand that sometimes you have responsibilities that are unique to you. It could be job related. Maybe it’s incumbent on you to heal a relationship. Whatever the case, no one else can do “it” for you.
You want someone else to do it for you. You feel overwhelmed, even incompetent. The initiative you should take? You ain’t feeling it. Step out anyway. Your feelings will follow your actions.
Panic strikes. “I can’t do this,” you say.

I’d imagine you’re a few steps ahead of me by now, but if you’re a believer, guess what? You aren’t alone. You already knew that.

Oswald Chambers said, “You will find yourself at wit’s end but at the beginning of God’s wisdom.”

Of course, when you sense you’re alone, you’d like to have someone with skin on them. Somehow, though, we need to learn to acknowledge and experience God’s presence.

Truth be told, God is closer than anyone wrapped in skin. He actually indwells the believer. You couldn’t be alone if you wanted to.

Will God give you a sign that you never walk alone? Maybe. He’s not obligated to.

Feelings are great betrayers, aren’t they? You may not feel His presence, but that doesn’t change the reality of His nearness.

You’ll never walk alone.

You aren’t walking alone now.

In days to come, you won’t walk alone, either.

O be comforted.

Be well.

Tony’s Question: What do you do for yourself when you feel like you’re walking alone? Share your thoughts below. And share this blog with your friends on social media.