This fallen world can be an incredibly lonely place and the Lord’s sheep stand in need of fellowship with God. One of the greatest comforts in the bible is the promise that God will never leave us. We see this desire represented in Solomon’s benediction at the dedication of the temple:

“The LORD our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:” (I Kings 8:57)

Here Solomon expresses the sincere desire so familiar to all of God’s sheep, that God would “be with us” always. This sentiment was also expressed by his father David:

“Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.” (Psalm 27:9)

David recognized that he did things in life that provided just cause for God to be angry with him, but he sought forgiveness and restoration of fellowship based on his belief that the Lord was a faithful and covenant keeping God:

”Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.” (II Samuel 23:5)

These sure covenant promises are reiterated in the New Testament as motivation for living a life of contentment distinct from worldly materialism:

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

These promises are dear to God’s people.

In recent weeks we have been blessed to be joined by sister Ruth Ellen Becker who often requests that we sing Hymn #195 in the Old School Hymnal - Never Alone. This was her departed husband’s favorite hymn. She said that when he was a little boy he used to walk early in the morning in the dark to milk the cows and that he would sing that song to keep from being scared along the way. I reckon that’s a good example we can take from that dear brother as we walk through the darkness of this sin cursed world. Indeed, we are never alone and the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us.

- Elder Daniel Samons

Old School Hymnal #195 - Never Alone

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, And heard the thunder roll,
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which tried to conquer my soul;
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, He bid me still fight on:
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing– Temptation’s sharp and keen;
I have a peace in knowing, My Savior stands between;
He stands to shield me from danger, When all my friends are gone:
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.

When in affliction’s valley, I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry, my cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, and earthly joys are flown,
My Savior whispers His promise: never to leave me alone.

He died on Calv'ry's mountain, for me they pierced His side,
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide;
For me He’s waiting in glory, upon His heavenly throne:
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.

No, never alone, no, never alone;
He promised never to leave me,
never to leave me alone: