“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 NIV
A few months ago, I had a brief yet profound conversation with God. I quietly said, “God, please don’t give up on me.” I felt Him respond in my spirit, “Of course, I won’t give up on you. You’re my child.” And I realized this was a message meant for me to share and encourage you. So please hear my heart on this issue that we all face at some point in our lives.
We live in a broken world filled with pain, suffering, and sorrow. Because of this brokenness, people may not always be there for you as you hoped. Nobody is perfect. But we serve a perfect God who will never leave you nor forsake you. He has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). You don’t have to worry about making Him mad, disappointed, or ready to abandon you.
Growing up, I was an overachiever, perfectionist, and people pleaser. I couldn’t handle it when people were upset at me, and it was devastating to try to cope whenever someone gave up on me. It made me feel like I failed them and myself because I was too much for them or not perfect enough. Rejection made me try harder to win the favor of people and I felt like I couldn’t rest until everyone around me was happy. I also pushed harder to achieve and never be a burden to anyone. I feared people giving up on me. It would make me feel like a failure. Sometimes, even in my adult years, it’s still a struggle.
If you have similar struggles, I want to encourage you with a reminder that God will never give up on you. You are His child whom He loves with all of His heart. You don’t have to perform your way into His love nor do you need to win His favor. American author Philip Yancey said, “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more and there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.” God’s love is pure and unconditional. He loves you because He created you, so you can rest assured that He will never quit caring for you because you are His child (Isaiah 43:1).
God loves us at our worst. He seeks us when we go astray and stays by our side in good times and bad. When we are hurting, He wants us to press into His Presence instead of pushing Him away as we run to our temporary comforts. It makes me feel safe to know that God knows everything about me. I cannot hide anything from Him, yet He still loves me. God can help us become the best versions of ourselves—molded into the image of His Son (Jesus Christ) and shining His light into the darkness in this world.
Next time you feel like a failure or you are afraid someone you love is giving up on you, reach out to the One whose love for you never fails. Ask God to comfort you and remind you that He will never abandon you. Just like a good earthly parent never abandons their child, your Heavenly Father will never desert you. The Bible says that even if your father and mother forsake you, God will take you in (Psalm 27:10). Not only will God always take care of you, but He will heal your heart when you are suffering or grieving.
In closing, I would like for you to listen to a song by Ashley Hess called “Yet.” May this message encourage your heart and draw you close to your Maker who loves you today, tomorrow, and forever.
Let’s Pray: Dear God, Thank You for not giving up on me and for never leaving me when I feel like I am failing. Help me see how much You love me as your child. Thank You that your love endures forever. Teach me how to trust You and rest in this wonderful love You have for me and all humankind. You are a Good Father. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’s Name, I pray. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Pablo Heimplatz/Unsplash
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Originally published Monday, 11 March 2024.
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