Even when it feels as though God has stepped away for a minute, God never leaves us. He promises. And He keeps His promises. Priscilla shares. . .
“Be strong and courageous. . . for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
What a great reminder for us! Even through the times it seems God is “keeping His distance” –which can feel so stark and lonely when dealing with chronic pain and illness, God never leaves us. I say “seems” and not “is” because of this wonderful verse.
Recounting God’s loving ways is one way I remember that He is with me, no matter what I am feeling.
One of the many blessings of my life was the closeness my grandmother and I shared. Luckily, for most of my adult life, we lived near each other. When she died at age 85, I called my childhood friend who had known her. Sympathizing with me, she said that when I needed them most: I would remember her pearls of wisdom, her sayings. The first time that happened, I thanked God.
Years later, during a long and overly ambitious fibromyalgia flare, I was missing both my grandmothers. Feeling sad and ill, God ministered to me in a wonderful way. Looking for something in a closet, I found a box I had forgotten about. Inside was a letter from each grandmother!
One, the first letter my grandmother, a nurse, wrote after my first child was born, giving me great advice: “Don’t take anybody’s advice except the doctor’s!” I could just see her pointing her finger at me as she was saying it, which made me smile.
The other letter, from my nearby grandmother included the story of how she acquired a lamp in 1933, that I inherited. No one in the family knew it’s history. It was a very funny story and I laughed and laughed.
I felt so comforted. God did this for me, just because He loves me. Finding those letters was a gift; recalling that day is a special memory. God never will leave you.
So when you have times that God seems distant, take time to remember those instances of Him working in your life, either directly or through others. Those remembrances will bless you and sustain you. He has been faithful through your physical and emotional pain; He will never abandon you. (Joshua 1:9)
Prayer: Lord, when I am tempted to base my reality on my feelings, remind me to look for you–even in the little ways. Your Word tells me that you will never leave me, and I am putting my trust in that. Amen.
About the author:
Priscilla Ervin lives in Arlington, Texas and deals with chronic Epstein Barr, Fibromyalgia and other health issues. Her greatest joy now is being a grandmother.
Have you ever felt as though God has forgot you, despite the promises in the Word that God never leaves us? What do you do, or how do you re-work your attitude, to remember just because you cannot feel Him, does not mean He is absent?
This song, “Light Up The Sky” by The Afters has lyrics that will move you today. God never will leave you and His faithfulness is there, just like the sun lights up the sky every day. (This is the official video and there is even a “patient” example.)
Priscilla, I too am a grandma. What a joy it is! My two live in a far country, so I don’t see them nearly as often as I’d like. But I have pictures galore , including some they’ve given us on a mouse pad, a mug and a glass cutting board, which sits behind the sink. And then there’s Skype and other internet blessings.
Yes, there are times when I FEEL as if God is far away, but I know He’s right with me. His promises, His small and large surprise blessings also assure me.
Thanks for posting this devotional and may God bless and care for you.
Beth
Priscilla, thank you SO MUCH for this needed reminder. So thankful for the ways in which He uses treasured memories and other blessings to remind us He is near and always has been. When we live with the assurance that He never leaves us, we can make it through. God bless you bunches. Gentle hugs, BeBe <3
What a great devotion, Priscilla!
I LOVE the way the Lord reminded you of where those letters were. What a sweet gift from them & Him for you. I soooooo love stories like this! The Lord showing His love for you in the way that suited you & your needs at the time. PRECIOUS! Such a joy to read & be reminded of His special & deep love for us, as different individuals with different needs. THANK YOU to you, your Grandmothers & the Lord for putting this story out there to us. Be encouraged in your writing Priscilla. Hugs. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn: I appreciate your comment so much. It’s so uplifting to receive something from our heavenly Father that is very personal.
I had one of those blessings from Him yesterday. While we were getting ready to go to the city to shop, I said t my husband, “I don’t know if I can do this.” He was quite willing to get groceries himself as he has many times, but there were a couple of clothing items I really needed to get myself. I could have postponed those purchases, as I had before, but decided to go ahead.
While we were having lunch in a fast food restaurant, a friend of mine came in with her husband. Before we left, she came over to talk to me about a difficult situation she was in and both of us were able to reassure her, and we prayed for her then and there. I was SO glad I’d gone and God had worked it all out. My friend was relieved and I felt so blessed to be used to help her.
I’d been feeling so discouraged about not being able to “do more for the Lord” and He affirmed that He WAS still using me. How I praise Him for His love and compassion!
Oh, Beth, what a VERY special blessing for you, your husband & your friends. Woo hoo! Praise You Lord! Thanks for sharing. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Beth isn’t it exciting when those “God moments” come along like that? And I am so glad that you get to share in the lives of your Grandkids? Both of my Grandmothers were very dear to me. I have a small box of letters and pictures of my Grandmothers. They died many years ago.
If you watch, God provides many ways of showing He loves us that are just for us. Love you ladies,
Sandy
Sandy: I had another special time just a few minutes ago. I was on video on Skype visiting with my son, his wife and two grandkids. It was such fun!!!!
Love, Beth