You said you would always be there

Not too long ago, one of my older, adult daughters posted “I love how people say they are there for you no matter what, but then when you really need someone no one is there.” on Facebook.  I don’t know who this was directed at or what her need was at this particular time, but it got me to thinking.

Whether she meant to or not, I felt like I was being included in the “people” she was referring to in this post.

A little back story may be necessary at this point.  I have two older daughters who have chosen live in two different towns, one, two hours away and the other four hours away.  They have had a multitude of different addresses and phone numbers.  I usually only get notified of new addresses and phone numbers when they need something.  I usually only hear from them around Christmas time.

I have lived at the same address for more than thirteen years and had the same mobile phone numbers for fourteen years. Amazingly, the question, “where were you when I needed you?” gets asked!  I am right where I have always been; I haven’t moved.  So when I said I would always be there for you, I meant it. All you have to do is come to me!

But I digress.  This post is not about my daughters, but about you and me and what we expect from God.

God said He would always be there

In Isaiah 41:10, God tells the nation of Israel, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“

Jesus told His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” in Matthew 28: 18-20.

Paul, in his letter to the Roman church, said “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

This is just a few of the references that show, God will always be there for you.

But have you ever needed God to lift you up and it seemed He was no where to be found?

We will always be there!

I have two possible reasons why it may seem God is not fulfilling His promise to always be there.

1. As a parents, we understand we cannot do everything for our children.  It’s not good for them.  If we carry our children everywhere, they will never learn to walk.  If we give our children whatever they want without expecting them to ask for it, they may never learn to talk.  Sometimes we have to struggle to learn, grow and become strong.  James wrote “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2
2. God is keeping His promise to always be there, but we have pulled way from Him!  I can speak from experience.  It is a little hard to always be there for my daughters, if they choose to move far away and won’t stay in contact.  God has the same problem.  If we refuse to study his word, pray, fellowship with other Christians and basically move as far away from Him as possible, how can we be upset if He is not at our beckon call.

God is still where He has always been.  We are the ones who seem to move away from Him.  God will be there for us, when we decide to return to His side.