One of the most common reasons for divorce is abandonment. A couple might be living in the same home, but they may hardly talk to one another or touch one another. They have stopped being each other’s companion, sharing life together. While abandonment by a spouse might seem sad, it is truly horrific when a parent abandons his child, disengaging with his own flesh and blood as someone not worthy of his time or love.
The most beautiful and resounding promise in the Bible is the promise that God will never abandon us. Jesus is our Immanuel, our God who is with us (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23, 28:20). This promise is echoed in Deuteronomy 31 in verses 6 and 8, where Moses writes, “God will neither fail you nor abandon you.” The Hebrew words for ‘fail’ is raphah and for ‘abandon’ is `azab. The word raphah has the idea of slacking, withdrawing, idling, or dropping someone. `Azab means to desert, neglect, or leave someone. Moses is telling that God will NEVER change (or decrease) in His love for you. God WILL NOT withdraw from you and He will not neglect you or leave you alone to fend for yourself.
Today, if you find yourself abandoned by your spouse or your parent, I am truly sorry for what you are going through. If you are a child whose parent has emotionally and relationally walked away from you shirking their parental responsibility, you may be looking at a life-long journey of parental abandonment. My heart aches for you. But spousal or parental abandonment will not stop you from experiencing laughter, joy, and fulfillment in life. For the One who is truly loves you will never leave you and will never let you fend for yourself. He will protect you and take care of you. Your Heavenly Father will more than abundantly fulfill the role that your earthly father or mother abandoned.
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