When I took Denver, our youngest puppy, up to the vets for his final vaccinations, it was an extremely cold and bitter day. As I had several hours of errands to complete while I was in the city, I decided to board Denver at the clinic until I was finished. This way he would not have to be left alone in the vehicle on such a frigid day. As this was the first time I had ever left him he did not go with the attendant easily.
He planted his feet and strained back on the leash. I could see his fear of being left, but I knew I was coming back and this would be a good lesson for him to learn regarding trust.
Upon my arrival back at the clinic several hours later, Denver greeted me with unbounded enthusiasm. I had returned. I could be counted on.
Sometimes I have felt that God has left me too, or at least forgotten me. I feel set aside. Nothing much is happening spiritually. Life just goes on from day to day and everything is simply quiet. I am not hearing from God. When I pray I don't sense His presence. The seeds I am sowing don’t seem to be taking root or growing. Life just becomes very ho-hum. The waiting sometimes seems intolerable. At such times I have learned to not give into my feelings. God can be counted on. I will once again experience His presence in tangible ways. The work He has called me to do will begin to sprout and grow. He knows exactly where I am and He has left me where I am for a reason, and I can be assured it is for a good reason, as God always knows what He is about.
Are you feeling forgotten or neglected or abandoned by God today? If so, I urge you not to give into your feelings. We cannot build our lives upon feelings, for they are unstable and ever changing. Instead choose to stand upon fact. And the fact is that God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5b
Prayer: Father God, thank you that You can be counted on in all situations at all times in all places. Help us to continue to grow in trust, that our fickle feelings may give way to the fact and strength of Your truth. In Christ’s name we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps Atlin, B.C.