Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: 2 Chronicles 35:1–36:23, 1 Corinthians 1:1–17, Psalm 27:1–6, Proverbs 20:20–21

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God Never Leaves You

Have you ever noticed how often we pray, “Lord, be with us today,” or “Please don’t leave us”?

I’ve prayed those words many times myself. But today, the Lord gently corrected my thinking with this Gem of Knowledge whispered to me by the Holy Spirit:

“I want My people to know I will never leave them nor forsake them. I want them to think beyond that, to where their mission is and work with Me on how to accomplish it, instead of living at a standstill, always worried I’m gonna abandon them.”

It then occurred to me that we’re often asking God to do something He has already promised.

Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, NLT)

And Hebrews reminds us of His promise:

“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” (Hebrews 13:5, NLT)

God isn’t the One who wanders. He’s not the One who drifts away. We are.

Perhaps instead of praying, “Lord, be with me today,” a better prayer would be, “Lord, help me stay close to You today. Help me walk with You and follow wherever You’re leading.”

How much of our spiritual energy is spent seeking reassurance when God has already given it?

How often do we wonder if He’s still with us when He’s already promised He is?

The real question isn’t whether God is still walking beside us – the question is whether we’re walking with Him.

I have a note I wrote years ago in the margin of my Bible that says, “How long must God suffer our insolence before He removes Himself from us completely? We cannot let that happen.” As I read it today, I realized something beautiful.

He doesn’t!

He never removed Himself from Judah.

They left Him.

Again and again, God sent prophets to warn them, plead with them, and call them back. Even after years of rebellion and exile, He wasn’t finished with them. At just the right time, He stirred the heart of King Cyrus to bring His people home.

The beautiful thing is that God is always making a way for us to return. His faithfulness is incredible.

Even when we wander…

Even when we ignore Him…

Even when we choose our own way…

He continues calling us back to Himself.

What an amazing reminder that the God who promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” is also the God who faithfully pursues His people when they stray.

Paul echoes this same truth in 1 Corinthians as he reminds believers that God “will keep you strong to the end” because “God will do this, for He is faithful to do what He says.” (1 Corinthians 1:8–9, NLT)

Notice where the confidence lies. Not in our ability to hold onto Him, but in His faithfulness to hold onto us. Once that truth settles into our hearts, everything changes.

We stop constantly asking, “Lord, are You still with me?” And instead, we begin asking, “Lord, what would You have me do today? What is Your plan for me? Where do You want me to go?”

Psalm 27 declares,

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, NLT)

David’s confidence wasn’t rooted in his circumstances, it was rooted in the unchanging presence of God.

Friend, you don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder wondering if God has walked away.

He hasn’t.

He’s waiting for you to stop worrying, living at a standstill and start walking confidently into the mission He’s already prepared for you. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes to be with the Lord today. Ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me to know about this personally?”
  • Journal what He gives you through His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He reveals – then do it!

Let today be a day of reassurance in the Lord then allow Him to move you forward in your calling.

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Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You that Your faithfulness never changes. Thank You for Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Forgive me for the times I’ve spent more energy worrying if You are there than trusting You enough to walk with You. Help me remain close to You, attentive to Your voice, and faithful to the mission You’ve placed before me. Open my eyes to where You are already working and give me the courage to join You. Thank You that I never have to wonder if You’re with me because You’ve already settled that forever on the cross. In Your beloved name I pray, Jesus, amen.

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