And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you… He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deut. 31:8
This Promise was given to Joshua before entering the Promised Land. Moses encouragingly reminded Joshua that, as the succeeding leader, “the LORD Himself goes before you…”. Joshua’s task of taking the Promised Land seemed impossible because Moses was already a great leader, who led people out of slavery and Egypt, through the Red Sea, through meals, bread from heaven, and water from rocks, who led them to Mount Sinai and went up on the mountain to meet God and got 10 commandments, to construct the tabernacle, etc. It seemed impossible for Joshua to replace Moses and it was very much possible for him to have fear in his heart and mind but with the LORD the task was possible, for He would not forsake Joshua. The author of Hebrews restates this promise of God’s eternal presence with believers if they keep their lives free from the love of money and be content with what they have. Instead of trusting in riches or material goods, that will ultimately fail, believers should place their hope in God. Riches can depart in a moment, but the Lord is with His children forever.
The God who promised to never leave Joshua is the same Lord who says He will never leave believers today. Believers have the wonderful promise that God will never forsake them because Jesus felt utterly forsaken by the Father when He took our sins upon Himself on the cross, and now those who trust in Him will not be abandoned in their sinful state but will receive forgiveness and eternal life.