There
Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV
(5) … he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
(6) So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Deuteronomy 31:8 KJV
(8) And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
This was a completely new concept for her, the thought that someone would actually be there for her even after discovering something in her that was sure to be unacceptable. Not that this wasn’t something she had hoped for all her life, it’s just that time after time, after committing herself in relationships, she had found herself alone, abandoned once again for some undisclosed reason. It would have even been a little more bearable if they would have at least given a reason, something for her to work on in the future, but it was like she hadn’t earned even enough honor from them to get their perceptions of her needed improvements before their departure. She had just been left, time after time, alone and without explanation. How wonderful it would have been to have someone actually stay through her inconsistencies, finding something in her for which to stick around. To wonder then whether God Himself could put up with whatever had driven the others away was certainly natural and would require considerable adjustment. This promise would be her heart’s greatest comfort and her soul’s delight and inspired hope, if only she could learn to embrace it instead of the old dismay and discouragement. He would never take off and leave her even when she herself might feel unacceptable. Because of this she could have great confidence and boldness to press beyond the fear of rejection that had held her back for so long. Though anyone might leave her for whatever reason and at any time, the very God of creation would remain close by her side, ever lifting her up and supporting her through the rest of her life.
Though maybe not to this extreme, there will ever be a need for adjustment and growth in this awareness- that our God goes before us and will never forsake us even in our failures, from the greatest to the smallest. If there is ever a sense of abandonment, this is just a misperception based upon what we’ve experienced in other relationships. God is ever present to encourage and strengthen the one who will but acknowledge His presence. His promise to be near isn’t just a frivolous gesture with no intention of fulfillment. Though this may have been our experience with those we’ve contacted in this world, there is a completely new experience with God that will nurture the confidence and boldness to be victorious in every situation. He is an ever present help in time of trouble (Psalms 46:1) and this presence doesn’t require a completed list of endless contingencies. His love and mercy will cover a multitude of sins and He faithfully stands with open arms – an embrace that will lift and propel us beyond the greatest of difficulties. So what will it matter what anyone might ever say about us, or even fail to say at all on their one way trip out the door, God Himself is right here right now with friendship, counsel, wisdom, understanding, compassion, mercy, forgiveness and motivation that is always ours for the taking in His presence. All He’s needing is an open door Himself to a heart that’s continually saying, ‘yes’.
