June 4, 2006

"I will never leave you, nor forsake you."

“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” (Psalm 27:10, NKJV)

My mother used to say that no matter what happened parents always love their children. Of course she spoke about herself, but she really thought that all parents were that way. She lived in a different era, yet even from Old Testament times, there were parents who did not always love their children.

The Bible has gruesome stories of cities under siege and the occupants without food. Some parents ate their children. In other cases, parents sacrificed their children to idols. Others abandoned their family. Even today, there are mothers and fathers with good intentions but their children feel as if they have been forsaken, not cared for, unloved. Even in the best of families, parents fail.

I’ve quoted this verse to teens whose mother was mentally ill and abusive; to a young woman whose mother had a string of live-in boy friends while her she was growing up; to a man whose father beat him; to children of workaholics who were never there for them. God knows the human situation. Whether good, mediocre, or outright horrible, parents are not perfect.

Everyone wants a perfect father, someone whose advice is always right, whose heart is always kind and forgiving, whose generosity comes through when most needed, whose shoulders are broad and whose strength is unparalleled. Is there such a man?

I’ve never seen one. My own dad was a good man. By the above description, he filled those requirements. But he is not here. He grew old, passed the prime of life, became feeble, and then died. Some days I would like to ask him his opinions, even only if he thinks it will rain today (he always knew), but he is not here.

This promise from Psalm 27 is true. God always takes care of me. He always treats me as a loving Father, offering instruction, rebuke, correction, help with how to live, even hints about the future so I will be prepared. He always takes care of my needs, including food and finances, and lets me know how much He loves me. He is always here, and while I cannot hug Him the way I could hug my dad, the Lord’s special attention to details in my life often feel like a hug.

The world seems to be increasing in the lack of parental devotion. Those whose parents have forsaken them need to know this Father who will never do that.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

My own dad disowned me because I became christian and accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. The same night we had that fight I opened my Bible and accidently stumbled upon Psalm 27 (which I have completely forgotten)and I felt that my Father in the heavens was right here with me. Parents will forsake thier children believe me but God will always be there for you.

Anonymous said...

Yeah great... But what does the bible say about a mother who forsakes her children???? Yes, God is the father that will not forsake them... But is there a heavenly maternal figure??

Anonymous said...

Praise be to God. I was searching for this scripture to share with my son. Thank you for being led by the Lord Jesus Christ to share this words for us to read. Respectfully noted the scripture written is found in Psalm 27:10. Love in Christ Jesus. Contending for the faith.

Unknown said...

Isaiah 49:15,16
"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;.."

Mothers and Fathers can be neglectful- they are people. I always say, "People are people." People are flawed and people have issues. I know I do and I have 3 children that I have strived hard to father and I still mess up. Believe me no one wakes up and says "when I have kids one day Im going to be the worse mother in the world" or "Im going to be the worse Dad in the world". Everyone no matter who they are wish they could have done "IT" better.
Your mother even though she did what she did wish she could have done "it" better. Your father even though he did what he did wishes he could have done "it" better. God's Word should always remind us that People are People and God is God. He will never forsake us, But People however- are flawed and have past, and pain, and histories, and struggles and have shortcomings but God is always there for you. Forgive others they arent perfect. Just in case you forget....ask yourself how many times have you did something to hurt someone?

Anonymous said...

Emy you have said many good things, however you come off a bit harsh at the end. We must remember not to condone bad behavior and not to re-victimize, a victim. The dictionary definition of forgiveness says nothing about condoning or accepting evil behavior, only "letting go of resentment". This Bible verse came to me by way of television today.“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” (Psalm 27:10, NKJV)
It was a reminder to me that even though my parents neglected my needs and abused me in other ways, God has never forsaken me. I feel no malice toward those who have hurt me and only pray that they have made their peace with God.

always trying said...

I was abused by my father and thought of my mother as a womb carrier,even though we would try to have a relationship(she based her children relationship on if you do for me. . .)it only worked for her. My father took sick and i was his POA, when he got better he didn't think i took care of his personnel business well, i did make some mistakes. I did ask for his forgiveness as well as my heavenly Father. He (earth)father ask for me not to come to his home. I knew what this verse said just didnt know where to find it. .Thanks. My mother had sent me a verse about honouring the parents. . After i accepted not to return to there home. . .(Lot more to this story, but thanks for allowing me and showing me where to find this verse.

Unknown said...

I was devistated when my mother was diagnosed with advanced liver cander just a few weeks ago. I have only one sister who is 14 years older than myself, who Ive never had a relationship with. She always made me feel like i didnt belong. My mother only told me to get along with her, never insisted that she being oldest treat me like a little sister. As time passed I moved away from next door to the both of them. My sister took the opportunity to slowly convince my mother that I had abandonned her and that I didnt love her. Only days after my mothers diagnosis, she became extremely ill and was hospitalized. I was the one to admitt her in the hospital. My sister on the other hand, ignored her call for someone to take her to the hospital. The sister began telling her lies about me entering her house repeatedly while she was hospitalized. Telling her that I was spending her money when she had no way of knowing what I was doin (She had no access to my mother's accounts or her home. My mother never trusted her.). When the doctros announced that she would be released, Adult Protective Services Showed up at the hospital claiming reports of neglect and abuse. Obviously mother had been in the hospital the whole time. Not only did she and her daughters cause that problem, but they had convinced my mother that I was only interested in taking her money and her jewelry, and had her call the local police to try and have me arrested. Obviously there was nothing missing and no evidence of theft. Yet it was extremely hurtful and humiliating. Long story short, that day of her release I was there as usual to take her home with me to help her recover as much as she could. My mother asked me to leave her room and said she never wanted to see myself or my daughter ever again. We never saw it coming, nor did we understand how my mother could be convinced that we would mean her harm or take ANYTHING EVER from her. Its beens a few weeks since then, and I now in my heart that I will never speak to my mother again, all because of lies and betrayal. Unfortunately my mom had been given a very bleek prognosis, but I thought I would at least have time to greive. Ive been robbed of my moms last few precious days and most of all my daughter who loved her so dearly has been severely hurt. I can only hope than our hearts will heal in time. Meanwhile I often miss her, wonder how shes doing and pray she doesnt suffer.

Elsie Montgomery said...

These comments are heart-breaking. As each person grieves their losses and feels great pain, remember that there is a loving God who will pick you up and heal your hurts. Also remember there is tremendous healing power in forgiveness. It cannot be done in our humanness, but Jesus can help us. He Himself said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they do."

Anonymous said...

I needed that today. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Matt 23:37 talks about how He longs to comfort us like a mother hen with chicks

Elsie Montgomery said...

God reveals Himself in male pronouns. This reference to a mother uses "like a..." and is a figure of speech called a simile. When interpreting the Bible, as any other literature, consider the genre. Figures of speech are best used as descriptive to help us "get the picture" and not for doctrine. The Bible says God will cover us with His feathers, but that does not mean He is a chicken.

Anonymous said...

I have seen my mother once in 30 years. I found her when I turned 20. Before that I was 6 the last time I saw her.

My father was in and out of my life. One year on...5 years off. I am now 35. An attractive woman that has had a lot of issues: holding down a job, staying confident, RELATIONSHIPS are VERY DIFFICULT.

I have prayed, cried, begged God for love. A basic human need. Like water or food. I ask for love.

On the mission for love I found independence. Independence from toxic extended family. Independence from frienemies.

I have held a torch for my parents the majority of my life. That torch was held high too. I had to realize that mother/father were just titles.

Only a title. That's it...only a title.

Elsie Montgomery said...

Your story is sad also. I pray that God grants you grace to forgive even though you have been so deeply hurt and disappointed, and the grace to trust Him, the One who is the perfect Father. My words feel insufficient, but get into His Word and listen for His healing voice. He loves you with an everlasting love.

Prayers and tears...

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this blog. I am learning to lean in and trust my heavenly father more and more while coming to terms with family rejection.

touched2mysoul said...

Awesome post! This is my favorite scripture

Anonymous said...

I do agree that people are people and we all fall short of the glory of God but ( and I use the word " but " carefully. In a wicked and depraved world we humans are as far from God as the furthest star is from our orbit. If God didn't interven we would never rise higher then our base nature brought upon us by OUR sins. This world is full of darkness and it's devastating. The word of God calls the Bible good news. Indeed it is. Having heard story after story about people's lives being ravished it is so painful and despicable. There is light at the end and even in the here and now . It's called redemption from sin and Jesus Christ the hope of all ... The Lord says " He ( God ) will keep in perfect peace he whose mind is stayed on thee " it sounds impossible to actually rise above the pit of pain and hurt and discouragement but keeping our minds on Chrsit means to have His word in our hearts and the Holy Spirit does calm the agitation that stem from evil. This world is set up by Satan to keep people inundated with negative events and painful memories as well as grave disappointments ... Having God and His word richly dwelling in us does give great hope and rest ... This doesn't change the circumstances... it only changes our mental and emotional anguish due to it. Remember Peter . While he kept his eyes and focus on Chrsit he was walking on water and rose above the abyss once he turned his attention away from Jesus he was safe ...

Elsie Montgomery said...

Yes, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, who is our hope. However, I don't agree that the circumstances don't change, only our attitude... God hears and answers prayer and I've seen amazing changes in awful circumstances because of His mercy and grace. He picks us up, even when Peter took his eyes off Jesus and started to go under, Jesus grabbed his hand and kept him safe. Our God is an awesome God!

Valerie Warren Bulley said...

I was 3 yrs old when my mother left me in the orphanage n the nuns looked after me, I didn't know who my father is or was, never seen him nor heard about him, My mother remarried again n had 2 kids a girl n a boy, my mother took me home for holidays n we were staying at my moms in laws place and my sister was just a baby n she was crying n I yelled to my mom saying mommy baby is crying and she was angry and shouted at me and said don't call me mom call me Aunty, n tld her in laws that I am her elder sister's daughter but I call her mom and my step dad is aware about me being the 1st child of my mother but till today my step father's thinks my mom is my Aunty n not my real mother...and BTW my mother doesn't have an elder sister but just a younger one...though I grew up have my own family now n has a wonderful husband and 2 awesome boys....there were times when I find it difficult to love them or except my husband's love... Until I joined Bible College started renewing my mind with the word...mediating of God's word and how he loves I had always felt hurt, betrayed, lonely n unloved... I surrender the pain to God n he truly started transforming me from within...i don't feel any grudge or hatred towards my mother at all as I have let God heal me from within and have experienced his amazing love which bless me and hope it will bless you too... May the peace of Christ dwell richly in u and may u experience his true love in Jesus name I pray....thank you God loves you very much....

Elsie Montgomery said...

May God continue to bless you and keep you in His loving care. Your story is sad yet the Lord is at work shaping you into a beloved child of God who is learning how to share His love with others. Thank you for telling me about it and how God is using His Word to touch your heart!