“When I die, I want the people I did group projects with to lower me into my grave so they can let me down one last time.”

This joke strikes us as funny, because we can all identify with the sentiment. People let us down, and not just those we are paired up with for group projects. Broken relationships occur within our families, friends don’t show up when and how we need them, and we feel abandoned. They are human and flawed, just as we are.

But God will never abandon us. He is our heavenly Father, and we are His beloved children. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) Jesus experienced separation on the cross from His Father in our place, so that God can be forever present with us.

We can look all the way back to the book of Genesis, to see God’s covenant promise to us as His people. “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Gen 15:1) In making a covenant with Abram, God was the only one between the two of them that ceremonially walked among the cut pieces of the sacrifices, thereby making God the only one who would have to make payment if either party in the covenant broke their promise. “When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.” (Gen 15:17)

Jesus’ death was the payment for our protection. God has kept His promise to us – even when we have failed to keep our promise to Him. Our relationship with Him, through the blood of Jesus, is the one relationship that will never fail us. We will never be forsaken.

Lord God, on my weakest days, when I struggle to feel Your presence, fill my heart and mind with Your truth. Remind me of these words: ‘Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.’ Amen. (Isaiah 41:10)