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 Only Way

The Pennine Way, Derbyshire

This is the gate at the start of the Pennine Way, a footpath that starts in Derbyshire and follows the 'backbone of England' all the way to Scotland. This first section, which crosses high level moorland can appear threatening in inclement weather, with the risk of getting lost in a fog or stuck in a bog. But provided walkers are well prepared and keep to the marked route they will be perfectly safe.

It may seem an affront to some that Jesus is the only way to salvation, but this is the Biblical truth that Jesus is the only access God and salvation. Otherwise we are lost. We may have already entered by the 'gate', but we have to stay on the path and avoid the many diversions or we may be in danger of losing our way. God has already made provision for our complete security, so provided we continue abiding in Jesus and putting our full trust in Him, we are absolutely safe.

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." John 10:9

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

A Pleasant Place

Morning View, Herefordshire

We’ve just returned from time in a cottage in the heart of the English countryside. This is the view I woke up to on the first morning and as I drank in the beauty of such a pleasant rural scene, I was reminded of Psalm 16. There was a time when I would have thought you were joking if you had told me that “the boundaries had fallen for me in pleasant places,” when what I was experiencing was far from being pleasurable! But I am learning that what God chooses for each of our lives is just perfect.

He know us so well, that whatever He allows in our life, serves to bring us closer to Him. He is really with us in it all and gives us the power to love and to overcome and live the abundant life.

True happiness lies in our relationship with God and being one with the Father - mind-blowing!

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places,” Psalm 16:6

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