When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see,
No I won’t be afraid
Oh, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me.
Sometimes I feel lonely, fearful, unsure of myself. Sometimes things may appear good; sometimes bad stuff is happening and I’m at my wit’s end. There may be people all around me, but I feel that I’m on my own.
Ben E King’s ‘Stand by Me’ was developed from an old spiritual based on Psalm 46: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.’ The psalm-writer knew his God as someone who stood by him when everything else failed.
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No, I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me.
I’m grateful for those who have stood by me. I’m not always humble enough to acknowledge that I need help; I’m not always easy to stand beside. Friends haven’t needed to understand me or have all of the answers; they might not even have realised the important role they have played…
I’m grateful to my God who has stood by me through my darkest nights, who has known my heart, who’s been there when I’ve failed to recognise His presence, know His strength or experience His peace.
My prayer today is that I will…
…know the God who stands by me through everything, today and in all of my tomorrows.
…respond with empathy, dependability and compassion to those who ask ‘Stand by Me’…
…have the sensitivity to hear the unspoken or unexpected ‘Stand by Me’
…be loyal and faithful to my God who not only calls ‘Follow me’ by also calls ‘Stand by Me’
malcolmsmusings.org 
LOVE this. I surely needed it today. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I needed to be reminded of it too, Majik. I’m still processing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope we get to meet before Glory, Malcolm, if you ever come to Arizona or we ever get to Great Britain. But I know that we will meet soon, “here, there, or in the air!” as we used to say back in the day, huh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well stated, Malcolm. I pray with you for the same “Stand by me” attitude–supernaturally supplied.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m aware that it’s a process, David, a continuing learning experience; I’m still a novice.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this idea Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always good to hear from you, Anita
LikeLiked by 1 person
You showed me compassion when I requested a prayer so I’m thankful to God that He sends people like you to “stand by” people like me. Thank you once again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Adel. I think that’s what God calls us all to do, to different people in different ways. Often when we think we are least able or least expecting it, God gives us the opportunity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An absolutely beautiful musing, Malcolm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Wynne. I wonder how your dad would have responded?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think with a hand on your shoulder and a tear in his eye!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Malcolm, for sharing important ways to be a true friend and a true follower of Jesus.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Nancy. I guess it’s an ongoing lesson we continue to learn.
LikeLiked by 1 person