I Will Never Leave You

Whitsands Bay, East Cornwall

The narrow coast road along the full stretch of Whitsands Bay offers breathtaking views out to sea. There's always something different to see depending upon the weather, time of day or the season. You have to go carfeully though, as people have been known to drive over the cliff edge. I was driving along the other week when the sky grew darker and darker with gathering storm clouds. Although it was mid afternoon it seemed almost like nightime, except at every point of my journey a shaft of sunlight lit up a patch of sea, as if it was following me.

And of course He is always following us. No matter how dark and threatening or frighteneing life is, God will be with us. This is His promise that He will never ever leave us. Even when it feels like we are the only person in the whole world, He is here to comfort, guide and protect.

"I will never leave you; I will never abandon you." Hebrews 13:5

The Comforting Presence

Edale and the Derbyshire High Peak

Ever since my early teens I have loved walking in wild mountainous places. This is one of my favourite spots, a high wilderness plateau in the Peak National Park, reached by a long climb up the Grindsbrook valley. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty where, in the solitude, you can feel close to God. You need to go prepared though, as even in summer the weather can change dramatically and without warning, with the danger of becoming lost in a threatening featureless landscape. This particular day I arrived at the top after a tiring final scramble, to find a sheep waiting for me on a high rock.

There is nowhere we can go without the Lamb of God being there for us. Whether we’re in the loneliness of a desolate wilderness - geographical or emotional - the driest of the hottest desert, the deepest inner turmoil or the most trying circumstances, He is always there for us, to comfort, protect and give succour. He knows exactly what we need.

“You are all around me on every side” Psalm 139:5

Concerns for the Future

Sunset at Seaton Beach, Cornwall

I find that late evening and nighttime can be the time when any lurking fears or concerns for the future can surface, with the potential to leave me feeling vulnerable. If that happens I know I need to deal with them well before bedtime.

It’s comforting to know that Father God has our future all worked out. He has given us His presence and nothing can separate us from His love. This is absolute security. We can trust Him.

“Your sun will never set” Isaiah 60:20

Light in Our Darkness

The Black Mountain, Wales

This is the aptly named Black Mountain at the west end of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. It can appear foreboding as it broods above the little lake Llyn y Fan Fach . In certain climbing conditions I have found it a bit threatening with just a touch of fear lurking in the background.

Darkness is part of life, but when we experience our own dark threatening times, we may feel we want to escape or wish it would go away. However, when we acknowledge that Jesus is with us in the situation and we call upon Him, the light is switched on, the darkness is transformed and fear melts away.

“I am the light of the world” John 8:12