“Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something” (Quoted from the character Dread Pirate Roberts in the movie Princess Bride)

Truer words have not been spoken during the entirety of the cinema industry. These three little words perfectly encompass our world today. While there are times of joy and happiness, life seems to be a never-ending journey through physical pain, emotional pain, mental struggles, financial setbacks, and every other type of pain.

Pain has been an unwelcome intruder in my life this week and has resulted in mourning, an overwhelming emptiness, loss of sleep, and a general lack of joy. But during my prayer and petition last night, I was reminded that I am not alone.

Yesterday I reached out to a dear friend and learned that she was dealing with a tremendous amount of dissatisfaction in her career path. Her pain was clear as she described a toxic work environment and the uncertainties of her future. Our time together was short, and we agreed to pray for each other as we parted company. I am not alone.

My rock this week has been a close friend and accountability partner for multiple decades. His counsel has been comforting, wise, and so urgently needed. Yesterday I was also privileged to receive counsel from his wife as well that carried me out of the lowest valley. They are truly God-given blessings. But life has not been easy for them; they have had more than their share of pain, including this week when he was involved in an auto accident. They are constantly in my prayers and I in theirs. I am not alone.

I cannot imagine this week without the assurance that my heavenly father promises that I am not alone. He is with me. Two songs have been on repeat on my iPod this week:

“So you catch me when I fall, right?
And you hear me when I call cryin’?
And you fix me when I’m broke, right?
And that’s all I need to know
So the storm is gonna break right?
And the sun is gonna start shining
And everything is gonna go right
And that’s all I need to know”

(Lyrics from “Believe” by Blessing Offor)

That first line hits hard: it is not a matter of if I fall, but when. “So you catch me when I fall, right?” The toddler can’t verbally express this feeling, but this belief is crucial for when they start to experiment with walking. This week, I am falling. My friends are falling. But praise God that we are falling into His arms.

“It’s been a long year, it almost took me down, I swear
Life was so good
I’m not so sure we knew what we had
I’ll never be the same man
I’ll never feel like I felt before (felt before)
It’s been a hard year, it almost took me down

But when my world broke into pieces
You were there faithfully
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You made a way for me
I may never be the same man
But I’m a man who still believes
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You were there faithfully

I’ve had a hard time
Findin’ the blue in the skies above me
And if I’m keepin’ it real
I’ve been half-faking the happy they see
I may look like the same man
But I’m half the man I was (half the man I was)
It’s been a hard year, it almost took me down”

(Lyrics from “Faithfully” by TobyMac)

“It’s been a long year, it almost took me down.” “I’ve had a hard time findin’ the blue in the skies above me.” My eyes are watering as this song is playing while I write these words. When I cry out, Jesus is there with me, faithfully. As my friend navigates her work situation and future, Jesus is there with her, faithfully. As my friends overcome life’s challenges, Jesus is there with them, faithfully.

Yes, life is pain. But we are not alone. When we place our belief in Jesus, He promises to always be with us. And, perhaps most importantly for us, He is faithful.