The Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.

— Deuteronomy 4:31

Angela was a new Christian. She repeatedly asked her Bible-study teacher, Mrs. Green, how she would know that God was there for her.

Angela was in her teens and was having a difficult time since her parents’ divorce. She and her mother had moved 700 miles away, and she saw her father only once a year.

At one point, Angela's mother had some financial challenges. So Angela had to go and move in with her father and his new family. She felt that she had to be good, or God would leave her. Angela never told her mother about her abandonment issues.

Angela felt encouraged, however, whenever she talked with her Bible-study teacher. Mrs. Green told her that she was God's beloved daughter and that God would never leave her. God does not abandon his children. He loves us, and we belong to him. He is always with us, no matter where we find ourselves. Nothing can separate us from God's love and presence (Romans 8:38-39). God can be trusted.

Angela wanted to grow in her faith journey. Mrs. Green encouraged her with God’s truth. Angela learned that God’s promises are not based on our thoughts or feelings. God is faithful to his word. Mrs. Green said, “Angela, pray, read the Bible, and believe God’s words. He will not abandon you. Even when you might not think so, he is there.” And Angela believed.

Lord, help me always to believe you are with me, even if I do not feel your presence. Amen.