by Tim Hall

The young man had difficulty falling asleep that night. The place where he lay down to rest was in unfamiliar territory. Strange noises filled the darkness, and his imagination leaped at each sound. But there was something larger that filled him with sadness. His family was now far behind him, and it wasn't clear when he would see them again. One person who wasn't sorry to see him go was his twin brother. It was common knowledge that his brother wanted revenge, and this made the weary traveler even sadder.

Genesis 28 is where this story is told. Jacob was the young man on the run, fleeing from his brother, Esau, whom he had tricked into selling his birthright. Rebekah had advised her younger son to flee to Haran where her brother would take him in. Now Jacob felt the loneliness close in around him as the darkness of night fell.

Jacob would learn, however, before the night was over that he really wasn't alone. God appeared to him in a dream speaking words of encouragement: "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you" (Gen. 28:15, New King James Version). That promise, combined with the vision of angels on a staircase leading up to heaven, gave Jacob the strength he needed. He now knew he was not alone after all.

This is the time of year when many young adults strike out from their homes feeling very alone. Their sheltered years of living with Mom, Dad, or other loving adults is now history. Before them looms college and all the demands of independence. There was a time when independence looked so exciting! But that was before reality settled in. Now it is clear that independence means leaving the familiar behind. Sometimes being on your own means feeling so very alone.

If only heaven could be opened, and that same vision of angels could again be seen! If only we could hear the voice of God, just as Jacob did that night! That would help us through the lonely night. We would have courage knowing that we are not really alone.

Christian young people can have that same assurance. Before laying down amidst the unfamiliar sounds of a strange place, open your eyes to the promises God has given every follower of His Son. Hebrews 13:5,6 is a good example: "Let your conduct be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" And this is just one of many, many such promises of the Lord's presence and help.

This may be your first night alone. Or you may be feeling again the despair of being separated from the comforts of home. If you are a child of God, know that you are not alone. God is faithful to fulfill all of His promises, and He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Open your Bible; open your eyes. You'll sleep better tonight.