“No, never alone. He promised…”

“No, never alone. He promised…”

Hymn: “Never Alone”

Text and Tune: Anonymous

In a good report from our friend Nina Pollard this morning about her cancer treatments, I was reminded of this gospel song we sang in my nurturing years in east Tennessee. Although it was published in 18 hymnals, the author/composer is unknown. B.B. McKinney arranged the setting with which we’re most familiar.

The encouragement of the refrain in 6/8 is what makes this one memorable… almost inescapable. Also, the intentional breath taken after each “no” contributes to its appeal. If you’ve sung it, you know whereof I speak!

Loneliness is widespread, even among those who are not alone. One can feel terribly alone in a roomful of acquaintances… or even with the few people we cherish most. I don’t think I need to try to over-explain that because we’ve all been there… or may even BE there.

Those two words “He promised” are the ones which make this more than just some happy little tune for a tent-meeting. “He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.” That warms my spirit, encourages my resolve, and enriches my walk. I hope it does that for you.

There are references to natural wonders (lightning, thunder, breakers) from which Christ is our protector. But those which seem most relevant are worldly winds, temptations, lack of friends; then time in the valley of affliction, treading the road of care, getting our feet caught in the briars. These are descriptors of where many of us find ourselves on occasion… maybe even frequently. According to the text, in times like these, the Savior stands in the gap, helps with the cross-bearing, whispering a blessed assurance.

The next time we find ourselves feeling alone, let’s revert back to our 1950’s growing-up church experiences and be reassured that we are never alone because he promised us that we wouldn’t be. Sing the first “no” of the chorus, take a deep breath and move ahead… with the One whose promises are sure.

If you don’t know this hymn, listen to it here: https://youtu.be/jrAhLb000y8