Oct. 8
NEVER ALONE
"Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken" Isa. 62:4
"Forsaken" is a dreary word. It sounds like a knell. It is the
record of sharpest sorrows, and the prophecy of direst ills. An abyss
of misery yawns in that word "Forsaken." Forsaken by one who pledged
his honor! Forsaken by a friend so long tried and trusted! Forsaken by
a dear relative! Forsaken by father and mother! Forsaken by all! This
is woe indeed, and yet it may be patiently borne if the Lord will take
us up.
But what must it be to feel forsaken of God? Think of that
bitterest of cries, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Have
we ever in any degree tasted the wormwood and the gall of "Forsaken,"
in that sense? If so, let us beseech our Lord to save us from any
repetition of so unspeakable a sorrow. Oh, that such darkness may
never return! Men in malice said of a saint, "God hath forsaken him;
persecute and take him." But it was always false. The Lord's loving
favor shall compel our cruel foes to eat their own words, or, at
least, to hold their tongues.
The reverse of all this is that superlative word, Hephzibah -- "the
Lord delighteth in thee." This turns weeping into dancing. Let those
who dreamed that they were forsaken hear the Lord say, "I will never
leave thee nor forsake thee.''