Alone and Afraid

It was a situation Esther had never imagined. Still a young queen, chosen for her beauty, she never expected to be involved in politics. But everything changed when Haman convinced the king to have all Jews in the kingdom killed.

When Mordecai told Esther what happened, she felt powerless. She hadn’t been summoned into the king’s presence for 30 days, and death awaited anyone who approached without being summoned. She asked other Jews to join her in a fast—then she would approach the king.

What thoughts filled her mind? What could she say or do that would make a difference? The Hebrew text does not give specifics. But the Greek text (found in the Septuagint—the translation of the Old Testament common in New Testament times) tells us Esther was “in deep agony.” She humbled herself and turned to God with intense prayer. She admitted, “I am all alone, and I have no one to turn to but You. Help me!”

She realized it was a dangerous situation, saying, “I am about to risk my life.” But she asked God to rescue the Jews “in this time of trouble.” She prayed that God would give her courage and “the right words to say” to the king and that God would “change his heart.”

God granted her favor, and the Jews were saved. Yet we must not forget how alone Esther had felt or the fear and uncertainty that filled her heart.

What do you do when you are afraid? Alone? Filled with doubt?

Follow Esther’s example. Turn to God. Humble yourself before Him. Cry for His help, His wisdom, and His favor. Always know that He is with you.