A Norvell Note for January 4, 2021
Vol. 24 No. 01
Always and Never
Always and never are big words. In marriage and relationship counseling, we advise against using the words “always” and “never.”
For instance, you might describe your spouse by saying, “You always leave your mess for me to clean up after you.” Or “You never listen to what I am saying.” Such statements are simply not factual, but they also put the other person in a hopeless situation. No one always does something. We are not that consistent or dependable.
In our frustration with communicating and overcoming relationship problems, we may feel that the other person always does something or never does something else, but it’s probably not possible. It is more accurate to say, “Sometimes, in fact, quite often, you leave your mess for me to clean up after you.” And “You seldom really listen to me when I’m talking to you.”
Avoiding using the words “never” and “always” is an important principle that encourages healthier communication.
Yet, when God uses the words, we can believe it.
“God has said, never will I leave you never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
“Look, I am with you every minute, even to the end of the age.” (paraphrasing Matthew 28:20)
When He says always, He means always. When God says never, He means never. We may make such promises and believe them, but we also realize we are human and may not follow through. But, when God says it, we can know it is true.
What does that mean for us?
We can trust God. When life gets hard and challenges are great, our faith in God may vacillate, and people may disappoint us. God has never failed us, and He will always be worthy of our trust. He is faithful. He keeps His promises.
We are never alone. People will leave us, fail to show up, and some will be unavailable when we need them most. God is with us. We were not alone last year, and we are not alone now. We will not be alone this year.
These are my words. Trusting God, believing that He is always near me and is still with me has never been difficult. A strong belief in God’s grace and faithfulness was planted in my heart as a child and has sustained me throughout my life. Have I been disappointed, confused, frustrated, and angry when His ways have not matched my desires? Absolutely! I still do. But I trust Him.
You have had a different life experience than mine. Pain and discouragement may have impacted you than it has on me. Taking God at His word may not be easy for you. Trusting that He will be there may be beyond your comprehension. I hope that changes this year and that you will begin to feel God’s presence in your life like you never have.
He is with us. Always. He will not leave us. Never.
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