“I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left – feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” John 14:27 MSG
Jesus understood. He knew how much the disciples loved him. He also realized they didn’t truly understand why He had come. There were expectations and those expectations were not apart of God’s plan for Jesus.
My heart is tender towards these men who had walked away from so much in their private lives to follow a man that was rocking the world everywhere He went. Such excitement, anticipation and intrigue. They were making plans. And Him leaving them was not apart of the strategy.
Jesus knew they would feel abandoned. But…
There is a difference between leaving and being left.
Jesus was leaving them but He had not left them. What He knew, they could not see through the confusion and their feelings of disappointment. He would always be near through the person of the Holy Spirit – The Comforter and Counselor.
Jesus promises peace. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. Then why do we feel forgotten and alone? As I write I am praying. God, I know you don’t abandon us but we feel abandoned sometimes.
I don’t want to pat you on the head and say something real churchy and quote a few scriptures when I know some of you, just like me, have felt distraught, deserted and filled with anxiety. You might be feeling that way today.
During these times I have to pull from within and rely on what I know, not what I feel. Do I still “feel” like I have been left – forgotten? Most often I do. Some of the reason for that could be that my situation may not have changed. The situation the disciples would face after Jesus’ ascension would be not be better. It would be more intense. Jesus was preparing them for the feelings He knew they would experience. He made sure it was recorded in the Bible because He can identify with the feeling of abandonment. He wanted to assure us that we have not been left alone.
If you are feeling left today, Jesus understands. I understand. I have cried out many times, where in the world are You God! Hold on. Take a breath and look for Him everywhere.
He is there. In a scripture someone shares, a hug from a friend, a beautiful song or amazing sunset. He is Jehovah-Shammah – God is there.
Joining other writers today at Five Minute Friday, The Weekend Brew and Tell His Story.
Julie Lefebure says
November 5, 2014 at 3:50 pmThe knowing He’s there makes all the difference for me. Thank you for this beautiful reminder, Carmen. God bless you as you continue to write for Him. Your space here is beautiful, as you are!
Carmen says
November 5, 2014 at 6:25 pmAww thanks Julie. You are so kind and supportive. I’m glad you visited today. You are so right. Knowing makes all the difference.
Kristi says
November 5, 2014 at 9:48 amThere IS a difference between between leaving and being left. Thank you, Carmen, for writing those words. They are insightful, touching, and right for today. :-)
Carmen says
November 5, 2014 at 6:24 pmI am so glad you visited today Kristi! The Holy Spirit dwells with us always. I agree, so good to know.
Mary says
November 2, 2014 at 5:31 pmBeautiful reminder Carmen that God will never leave us behind. He is always with us even during those times that we cannot feel id presence. Your words were a smooth salve for the hurts that many of us feel as we go through difficult times. Blessed to meet you through The Weekend Brew.
Carmen says
November 3, 2014 at 7:02 amMary thank you so much for your kind words and for reminding me that I am not alone in needing “a smooth salve for my hurts” during tough times. Please come again soon.
Barbie says
November 2, 2014 at 1:00 amHe is the ever present One. I’ve been feeling a little abandoned and forgotten lately, in some areas, things I am waiting for and praying for. Thank you for this beautiful reminder and for linking up with The Weekend Brew.
Carmen says
November 2, 2014 at 2:14 pmBarbie I understand what you are talking about. Gosh, God seems so far away especially when He is silent. He is always at work on our behalf though and I just know that what has been invisible will soon be visible for you. Loved visiting The Weekend Brew.
Debra H. says
November 1, 2014 at 6:16 pmThank you for sharing these inspiring and encouraging words.
*an FMF neighbor stopping by
Carmen says
November 2, 2014 at 2:12 pmI’m glad you were encouraged Debra. I like when neighbors visit :)
Deborah says
November 1, 2014 at 2:49 pmGod is always there. Even when He is quiet. Thank you for the beautiful reminder on this stormy day in my neck of the woods :-) .
And thank you for your kind words to me on GrowingInHisGrace.com . Thank you for stopping by and leaving some wisdom. I appreciate it.
Blessings,
Carmen says
November 2, 2014 at 2:11 pmDeborah it is especially good to know “God is there” when He is quiet. I’m glad you stopped by for a visit. I enjoyed mine with you. Please visit again soon!
Ginger Harrington says
November 1, 2014 at 1:52 pmI wasn’t familiar with this name for God. I love learning the Hebrew names for God and their meanings. God is there–so precious and so important to remember on those days we might be tempted to feel alone.
Carmen says
November 2, 2014 at 2:09 pmGinger, Jehovah-Shammah is only found in one place in the Bible – Ezekiel 48:35. A symbolic name for Jerusalem indicating that He had not abandoned them. They would be restored. I like you love the names of God. I saw this during research and just knew it would go with the topic I was writing on. God is always with us. Thanks for dropping by for visit. Come again soon!