May God NEVER Abandon Me

"May God never abandon me" - Blaise Pascal

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Tradition tells us that on Blaise Pascal's deathbed he stated the following, "May God never abandon me".  I was speaking to a Meck volunteer this past Sunday at the North Charlotte campus and we were both enjoying the music.  The gentleman commented that the song made him think about the words uttered by Blaise Pascal on his deathbed.  This was very moving for him.  The truth, as scripture states, is that the Lord NEVER leaves.  Not even death has any power as we are reminded with Easter quickly approaching. 

Although scripture states this, it does not mean that individuals do not encounter times of feeling isolated or alone (especially as death approaches for that individual or for a loved one).  I have heard it said that when a person experiences the death of their parents they have lost their past, with the death of their spouse they have lost their present, and with the death of their child they have lost their future.  "Feelings" do not equate truth but they do tend to yell loudly.  

What came help a person when encountering times of their feelings yelling, "God has left you, you are alone, you will never be happy again"?  The answer:  going back to the absolute truth, the anchor, and at times having people remind you of what this looks like from those who have walked a similar path.  GriefShare is a group that does just that.  This group can be found throughout the nation including at Mecklenburg Community Church.  If you are in a season of life where your feelings are yelling messages such as "God has left you, you are alone, you will never be happy again" one of these groups may be a wonderful resource for you.  Find out for yourself if the following is TRUTH:

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

Resources          

"May God never abandon me" - Blaise Pascal

Dunn, B. & Leonard, K. (2004).  Through a season of grief.  Nashville:  Nelson Books.

GriefShare website.  Dedicated to helping people journey from mourning to joy.