Matthew 28:19-20 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (NIV)

Every time I go to our gym, I start out on the stationary bicycle. It's not just a boring bicycle ride; it's like watching me bicycling along, passing other cyclists — like a video game with 30 different tours and topography from real places around the world. This "game" gives me the idea that I'm actually there on that hillside cycling like a crazy woman, trying to beat my previous time. There are also things that make the ride more interesting, like bunnies running across the road, or dragons flying by, or Yetis throwing snowballs across the road at each other. What I have discovered is that at the beginning of my ride, it's hard work, as my muscles haven't warmed up yet — which causes me to wonder why on earth I started this particular ride in the first place. But then, I'm really focussed, working as hard as possible to go as fast as possible. Somewhere in the middle, I get into a great rhythm, but then, my mind starts to wander. I start thinking about my own life and my concerns about other people — and then, all of a sudden, I realize that I've slowed down because I'm not focussed on my riding. I'm ticked because I've lost precious seconds in the race. Oh no! How could I have let myself be distracted? Now I'm really behind in my time!

I think that our lives as Christians are like this illustration. I have always struggled to read my Bible and to have a quiet time with God every day. I know that I am not alone in this problem. It seems like an uphill ride. It seems like hard work! But eventually, I get into a rhythm of sorts, doing my Bible study homework, reading my devotional Bible, and/or journaling my prayers. It feels great to be communing with God on a regular basis. But before I know it, something comes along — a bout of depression or some other distraction — and bam! I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing … again! Wait, how did that happen? Once that distraction occurs, I find it difficult to get going again, since it was a struggle in the first place, and it may take a week or longer before I can get back into the flow of things, to be focussed again. I could say that I'm behind in my time with God. But the comforting thing to know is that this would never happen! God is with us at all times, despite who we try to be as Christians. We will never be behind, or out of sync with God and not catch up to Him. We can't see Him, but we can be sure that He is always there.

Hebrews 13:5b – … because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (NIV)

If we love the Lord and follow His teachings, He will always be there to help, guide, and comfort us. He will not ever leave us alone!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love for us, that amazing love that is not faulting in any way, that is there for us all the time, every day, every hour, every second … every moment of our lives. Thank You that we don't need to fit into a time schedule to meet with You. Thank You for always being with us no matter how much we mess up our lives. This is what is so amazing: You are forgiving, loving, and compassionate, always, towards us. Thank You, Lord, that You will never leave us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Karen Knuff <knuff.karen@gmail.com>
Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
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