Not Forsaken
Wednesday, July 28
Not Forsaken
I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
Hebrews 13:5 is such a powerful verse to hold onto. In this verse our Lord promises to never leave nor forsake us. It is particularly powerful when read in the Amplified version of the Bible because it brings out the original meaning with more impact. These words as written here are solid and meaningful. In the Amplified Bible version it is written “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” These words aren’t a flippant statement from a distant and uncaring God, who sits aloof from His creation. They are in fact the words of a loving Father God, who has a heart of compassion for His children and wants them to be assured of His abiding presence.
God understands good and evil. He knows that for some of us, who’ve suffered the pain that comes with abandonment and betrayal, we now find it very difficult to trust. So when someone tells us to let go and let God, this release does not come naturally to a person who promised you’ll never let anyone that close to you again. Yet still, we find God here reminding us that He is our help. ‘You’re not alone,’ our Lord promises. ‘I’m never going to release My hold on you. I’m not like those who’ve forsaken you in the past.’ ‘I will watch over you and take care of you’ promises our God. I don’t know about you, but those words comfort my bruised heart and speak into my deepest need.
We were created to have meaningful relationships with both God and with others, and when we shrink back from either, we suffer loss. God wants us to experience the joy that comes from godly relationships. God promises to not leave you. Know this, you are never alone with God.
Prayer for today: Father God, thank You, thank You, thank You that You will never, ever, ever leave me or forsake me. This is a promise I must learn to embrace. I must take hold of that promise with two hands because You’re a promise keeping God. I’m not alone! I’m not forsaken! You won’t let go of me. You won’t relax Your hold on me. Thank You for keeping me safe and secure. Amen.
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