So often we think it is us remaining with Him. Us choosing Him. And there is our part in that, for sure. Yet the glorious truth is He remains with us. He wants to be with us. He is full of grace and love in His promise to never leave or forsake us. Check out Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:8. They attest to this truth. He came to us and He promises to remain in and with us as believers FOREVER.
This promise is actually one of the first God ever impressed on my heart, many years ago. When I first became a believer, I used to worry that this thing I had found would go away. Fade. Disappear. I feared this beautiful relationship with my Creator, my Father in heaven would somehow be lost. And so one day, as He knew I was struggling with this, He graciously reassured me with Hebrews 13:5 and Dueteronmy 31:8. They are the same promise; one is from the Old Testament and one is from the New. And all these years later I can look back and say He never has. He has never left me. He has never abandoned me. And for that I am eternally grateful.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 niv
God is striding ahead of you.
He’s right there with you.
He won’t let you down;
he won’t leave you.
Don’t be intimidated.
Don’t worry.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 mssg
