Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 8, 2016
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3
Last summer, my sweet husband rented a condo for me a couple of hours from home in Galena, Illinois so I could spend some undistracted time with the Lord. I needed refreshment for my tired soul. As I drove to my destination, the Holy Spirit immediately began to minister to me and He continued to fill me with His peace while I was away. He ministered to me while I sat on the porch, took walks, and scribbled notes in my journal while I read my Bible. A still calm was my companion as I drove back home. I was filled with joy.
Last week as I settled into my favorite arm chair in the morning, I spoke with the Lord. “I want to always experience your peace and presence like I did when I was in Galena.” In that quiet moment, I sensed the Lord reminding me that I did not leave Him there in that condo when I packed up and locked the door. There was nothing magical about that place that caused me to experience Him more intimately.
It’s as if He was saying, “You didn’t leave me there, Shana. I am always with you. I will never leave you. I will never forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
That simple, yet profound truth penetrated my heart.
“You will never leave me.
You will never leave me.”
Tears of gratitude flowed. My thoughts turned to those who have left me because I failed them, because they wrestled with some inner shame that caused them to run, because God took them home to heaven before I was done loving them, or just because the Lord took us on different life paths.
“But you, O Lord. You will never leave me. Ever.”
And He will never leave you. Praise God! Those who are in Christ Jesus are literally never alone. He is always right by your side, every moment of every day. He is the third person in your marriage and friendships. He is with you as you drive your car, make dinner, walk the dog, and do your work. He provides hope, help, comfort, and truth. He corrects you when you need it. He lifts you when you are down. He is there to guide you and teach you. He loves you, not because of who you are, but because of who He is. His faithfulness flows out of His unchanging character.
He never ever leaves.
Stop. Read it again. . . slowly. Let that simple, yet profound truth sink in.
He. Will. Never. Leave. You.
For this reason, you can be content with what you have (Hebrews 13:5); you are filled with joy in His presence (Acts 2:28); you don’t need to fear the words or actions of others (Psalm 118:6); you can sleep in peace (Psalm 4:8), and you can laugh at the days to come (Proverbs 31:25 ). He is always, always there.
Thank you, Jesus.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Prayer
Lord, how marvelous that you are my constant companion! How comforting it is to rest in this truth. Even when others leave or are taken away, you always stay. Help me to keep this in mind today. Amen.Application
As you go about your day, thank your loving Lord that He is right by your side in everything you do and everywhere you go. Amen.Related Reading
Psalm 94:14; Joshua 1:9Post/Tweet today
Others may leave, but God will never leave you. #WisdomHunters #GodneverleavesWorship Resource
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