“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5).
This is truly an amazing promise! When God gave this promise to Joshua and the children of Israel as they were about to enter the Promised Land, they believed Him.
At times, when we are broken-hearted and hurting, we may feel that God has forsaken us, but even then, He does not forget us.
Isaiah 49:15-16, “Says, ‘Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.’ ”
There was one who was forsaken by God. Jesus Christ was forsaken by God, the Father on the cross. While he was dying for us, he prayed—God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1). On the cross, Jesus Christ was forsaken by God so that we would never have to be forsaken. When he rose from the dead, God the Father, welcomed Jesus to his right hand in heaven and sealed the promise that he has made to us all—I will never leave you nor forsake you.
With God, there is always a new chapter to enter into, and He prunes and hones us for the next steps in life while stretching our faith. And yes, with His strength, we can do all things.
(Phil. 4:13).
Likewise, when we turn our hearts toward God, He will lead and guide us through life’s erratic paths. He has assured us not to be afraid and that he will never leave our side. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6).