What do we have to sustain us when our lives are in turmoil? What is the substance that we can know is strong enough to withstand even the greatest of tests? The fool looks to himself for that substance. Those of life journey that has found spiritual relationship with the FATHER , find a presence and a source of strength that endures even the most difficult of storms. The God we know as the FATHER through Jesus shows us relationship that is marked by the FATHER’S abiding love that simply never forsakes us.
Robert Strand, in his book, Especially for the Hurting Heart, has a wonderful discussion of Hebrews 13:5 in which we read these encouraging words: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you!’”
Strand asks, “What ever does never mean?” And he notes that in the original language “never” is really a compounding of five negatives. Not that each negative is added to another. Rather, each negative is multiplied by the other. According to Strand, it really should read, “I will never, no, not ever, no never leave you forsake you!” It is a synergistic compounding negative.
It’s a forever never which has no exceptions! Then he asks, “What does ‘leave’ mean?” He says that in the original Greek it means “to leave behind, to abandon, to give up on, to send back.” Well then, so far our verse will read: “I will never, no not ever, no never leave you behind, abandon you, give up on you, or send you back!”
Finally he asks, “What does ‘forsake’ mean?” In the Greek it means, “To leave one in a helpless state, to disregard.” It also can be further expanded to include “not relaxing my watchfulness over you.” To this point, the, says Strand, our verse, in the full, amplified version reads: “I will never, no not ever, no never give up on you, abandon you, leave you behind, cause you not to survive, leave you helpless, nor shall I ever relax concerning keeping my presence with you!” In other words, we can relax. God will always be there for us.
Now breathe that in! Exhale any doubts – fears – trepidations – anxieties you have. Have the confidence in what our Lord Jesus Christ opens for us with this FATHER who loves us without limits or conditions.
Your Friend,
Roger