In 2021, Harry Connick Jr. released a new album titled Alone with My Faith. I leaned in and listened intently as Connick shared the backstory of his album on Annie F. Down’s That Sounds Fun Podcast (Episode 288).
This new album resulted from his need to process the pain of the pandemic and losing fourteen friends in a brief time span. By getting alone with his faith, Connick sought comfort by singing and arranging classic hymns he learned as a child. Spending time alone with God enabled the mastermind musician to process his grief and pain.
Alone With My Faith
My soul resonates with the title of Connick’s album. During the dark period of postpartum depression, I sat alone with my faith in my favorite red chair. Tears dripped onto the opaque pages of my Bible, smearing the ink penned in the margin. I returned to my red chair to be alone with my faith for many years while parenting a strong-willed child and later during the teen years. I found myself alone with my faith when I waited for over a year for a diagnosis of my debilitating illness. It was in those solitary moments with God; I pleaded, wrestled, cried, and eventually surrendered by plans before our Almighty Lord.
Perhaps I’m not the only one. Have you found yourself alone with your faith? Maybe you’ve finally settled into a new home, town, or job, only to learn your spouse’s job is relocating or your only grown child (and grandchildren) are moving across the country. Or perhaps you watched your finances drain away in a time when you expected an abundance.
Scriptures In Solitude
A quick glance through my old journals revealed these scriptures comforted me in my time of solitude with the Lord. May these also serve as a source of hope when you are alone with you faith.
“My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8 ESV).
“My soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:5-6 NIV)
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the Lord, “’plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1 ESV)
“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 43:16 NIV)
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43: 1-2 NIV).
The hit that knocks us down is the one we didn’t see coming, but we don’t have to stay there. Remember to dwell not drift. Hunker down and spend quality time alone with God and your faith, He will bring you through.
© 2021 April Dawn White
Did you know?
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