Coming to Understand the Always and Never Nature of God

Always and Never. Two words spoken with regularity in many of our everyday conversations. More often than not, these words are used to convey an exaggeration of sorts. But there is no exaggeration when it’s Jesus speaking. None at all.

If He says He will be with us always, He will.

If He says He will never leave us or abandon us, He won’t.

Because what He promises He will do, He does.

There have been times in my life when I’ve been anything but reliable. Times when I’ve knowingly chosen to turn away from Him. Sometimes it’s been over big issues. Many times, over seemingly small matters – those things that really don’t matter in the big picture of life. Except when they do.

But in all my living, I’ve come to understand something more. I’ve come to understand that He doesn’t turn from me. Even though I deserve it. Even though I sometimes think I even want it. Even then, He remains steady. Why? Because I am His child. Created by Him. Loved by Him. Saved by Him.

So when I – in my stubbornness, in my weakness, in my ignorance – begin to walk a path I was never intended to walk, He is there. Sometimes He appears silent. Sometimes He whispers cautions I’d be wise not to ignore. Always watching. Always waiting for me to turn back toward Him. Never leaving me, even when my actions scream, “I want to do what I want, and I want to do it all by myself!”

It’s often when I’m on the verge of dangerous territory that I hear those words again . . . Always and Never. I’m so grateful for the promises found in those two ordinary words. I’m especially thankful for the Savior who makes those promises and is so faithful to keep them.

To know Him is to always belong. To know Him is to never be alone again.

Always and never. I’m starting to like the sound of those words.

Friend, if you’re not already acquainted with Him, please get to know Him today. And if you already know Him, please resolve to know Him more. To better understand His love for you. To come to that place of experiencing always and never for yourself.

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“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

“Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, ‘I will never leave you or abandon you.’” Hebrews 13:5b (CSB)

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What are some ways you’ve experienced the always and never nature of God?

What will you do today to know Him more?

Lord, thank you for the many promises woven within Your word. Thank you, especially, for the assurance that You are always with us and will never leave us. Help us to remember these truths when life gets hard. Help us to live, believing them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.