Please, Stay With Me

In my high school year book is a quote from Hebrews 13:5 that says He will never leave or forsake me.

Over the years I wondered why I picked that verse. Why not some other cheerful or upbeat verse? Something about prosperity or health or some bright hopeful promise for the future.

But it was well fitting for someone who felt abandoned by my father and overlooked by my peers. Sadly, I was even criticized in the church community for a number of reasons. My health was frail with bouts of asthma and severe eczema deepening the isolation. Then there was deep personal problems starting to surface as I entered young adulthood. This added to an already miserable existence.

To be fair I wasn't always easy to get along. I'd rather be alone than figure out the dynamics of sustaining a friendship. I tend to be emotional and too open with my heart (and mouth) which was not a great draw for friends. To some I may have appeared to be too intense and a bit gloomy. All the while I'd prided myself in being a realist. Life was difficult and I was not about to sugar coat it.

Then there was prayer.

Alone and often in the dark I would talk to Jesus. I would pour out my anger and pain. I would tell Him my day and all the mundane details. I could tell Him everything and anything...and He responded in telling me secrets (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Jesus was not some imaginary friend but the living God who made me. So He understood me the best. Here in this place of prayer I found safety and protection. Minutes in His presence and I knew I was not alone or forsaken. God is with me.

As the years rolled on I was to learn that it worked both ways. At times I hear God whisper, "Stay with Me." I would glance at the chair where I sat moments before reading the Bible and praying. Now only to realize God was sitting there with His loving eyes fixed on me. Other times I would close the door to the closet with His voice still echoing, "Just a bit longer with Me."

Perhaps the reason for the Scripture in the high school book was God's message to me. When you grow older and face the trials and temptations of this life...don't leave me or forsake Me for I promise to be with you to the end (Matthew 28:20).

Beloved, how many hours or days or years have you neglected to talk to Jesus? Start today. Tell Him you love Him and miss His presence. He will immediately make Himself known to you. Why? Because He has been there all this time...waiting for you to stay with Him, just a moment longer.