I will never leave you

I am with you always, even to the end of the age. — Matthew 28:20

One of my earliest memories of hearing good music was when a male quartet rehearsed at our home. I was about 10 years old, and I was especially attentive to my dad, who sang first tenor. One of the quartet’s favorites was titled, “I Am With You.” Even at that tender age, I not only appreciated the music but I “got the message.”

Those words of Jesus to His disciples just before He ascended — “I am with you always” — became precious to me as the quartet sang, “In the sunlight, in the shadow, I am with you where you go.”

One of the first references to God’s unfailing presence was spoken by Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6-8, when he instructed his successor about leading God’s people into the “land of promise.” And Joshua himself heard the same word from the Lord, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

That promise is repeated in the New Testament, where the writer of Hebrews gave this assurance: “He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (13:5).

Whenever you may be today, you are not alone. If you’ve placed your trust in Jesus for your eternal salvation, you can be certain that He will never leave you.    — Clair Hess

Jesus whispers “I am with you”

In the hour of deepest need;

When the way is dark and lonesome,

“I am with you, I will lead.” — Morris

READ: Deuteronomy 31:1-8

First make sure you are with Him, then you can be sure He’ll be with you.

The Bible in one year:

• 1 Kings 8-9

• Luke 21:1-19