Of all the promises in the Bible, my favorite is found in Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So, we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

God’s promise to never leave me or forsake me has sustained me through the years. Like most of you, I have had family members, friends and acquaintances who have decided to “leave” when something didn’t go their way. It is always painful and presents many questions when “leaving” or abandonment happens. When someone promises their undying love and commitment then walks out the door on a whim, it shatters self-worth and hope. Recovery must be deliberate and with significant effort.

Sometimes abandonment is without intention and is not as it appears. At family gatherings through the years, one of my nieces has shared this story often. The day I packed up and left for my dorm room at the University of Alabama, she was watching out her living room window just across the street. She says, “I thought my world had ended. My Aunt Ann was leaving!” It didn’t take her long to realize, although I had changed locations, I would be at church with her and all the family gatherings. I would call and quickly visit often. I would always love her and be a part of her life. Through the years that has been true. From the birth of her children, their graduations, their weddings, her surprise fortieth birthday party, tornadoes, funerals, and the extended sickness of other family members, I have been there. Her love and friendship are one of my most prized possessions. I would never leave her nor forsake her.

God spoke to Abraham in Genesis 28:15 KJV, and said, “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” God is not a quitter. His promises are always fulfilled.

Jesus’ last words to his followers before he ascended to heaven were, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” God’s commissioning always comes with the promise of his presence. He never intends for us to be alone or to feel abandoned by him.

In John 14:17-19 NKJV, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, so we would never be alone. “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.”

It seems that this fear of abandonment is an issue God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit all take seriously. We should too! Feelings of rejection and abandonment are never from God. He loves you and will never forsake you.

Taking the time required to sort out feelings of abandonment is well worth the effort. Understanding “the why” brings the opportunity to be set free. There are many good books addressing this topic. One of my favorites is, Healing the Orphaned Heart by Casey Treat. Biblical counseling is also valuable in overcoming the feelings of abandonment, rejection, and desertion in relationship to others and God. Having someone to hold your hand and challenge you not to give up makes recovery much easier.

As we approach a new season of the year, a worthy goal for 2023 would be freedom from the fear of rejection, abandonment and being orphaned. Are you ready? Make the decision to believe God’s promises and begin a new life of freedom from the pain and fear of rejection and abandonment.