Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.** 2 Timothy 4:9-13 (NIV)**
It is important to simply show up and be there, Amen? Our presence is the present. Surely Job appreciated his friends presence far more when they simply wept with him rather than when they began to open their mouths. It is not so much what we bring or what we say, rather it is the power of our presence that brings peace. Oftentimes, God desires for us to be His Hands and His Feet to a hurting world - meeting needs of those who perhaps cannot help themselves simply by being there and not even saying a peep. Also, our words are eventually more meaningful if they are prefaced by our mere work of showing up and simply bring silent.
In our verses today, the great Apostle Paul was in prison, surely longing to be out preaching the Good News. Yet, here he finds himself confined and seemingly lonely, cold and longing for God’s Word. Not one of us is vaccinated against loneliness – particularly when we are isolated. None of us are immune – even, or perhaps even more so, those who appear to be so self-confident and secure. God made people to need people. This is particularly true in our highest highs and our lowest lows. Being available or just showing up when tragedy or joy abounds is as a balm for the soul. Particularly if we have also once walked the same path. Isn’t it true that when we find ourselves in unchartered circumstances we seek those out who have walked the same course – either welcoming or difficult circumstances. If we discover we are having triplets, we seek those who have had them, Amen? To be sure, God desires for us to turn to Him first and foremost yet it is good to have others to walk with us during our struggles and to rejoice with us in our joys. This is also a way we can make “beauty out of our ashes, the oil of gladness out of our mourning and a garment of praise out our spirit of despair,” as the Prophet Isaiah writes in Isaiah 61:3 (NIV). God uses the pain and suffering He allows in our lives to help comfort others in their pain.
We are not to be too busy and miss the opportunities God presents us with in our walks with the Lord as they are plenteous. We need only keep our eyes open and be faithful. Oftentimes, it can simply be an encouraging and timely word. Sometimes it can be an act of kindness even as small as a smile or letting someone go first or perhaps much more in depth as with simply sitting with others in devastating circumstances. Our presence without words being an extravagant gesture.
For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn--conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (NIV)