Years ago, the company where my husband worked outsourced his facility and he was laid off. He searched for new employment for 448 long, long, long days. When work finally came, we gathered up two weeks worth of clothes, my laptop, our dog and headed north to Idaho. Ten months later we were still waiting for our Texas house to sell.

Our temporary apartment was a blessing, but I missed my privacy. I missed a quiet room where I could shut the door and spend time writing and talking with God. I missed my books. I missed my stuff. I wanted a couch that didn’t feel like it was stuffed with prairie dog pelts. I wanted things to be different, and I wanted to be settled. Yes, the pity party had hit with complete abandon, and the whine mode clung to my shoulders like a wet rag, and a wet whining Buffaloe is not a pretty picture.

With my million complaints, I tromped to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. Leaning against the counter, I pondered what really was behind my frustrations. Deep in my soul, I wondered if I was accomplishing what God wanted me to accomplish?

Why was I so unsettled? And why didn’t I feel like God was with me?

Then, in my soul, the still small voice whispered, “I’m always here.”

Tears fell as all my complaints sloughed off and fell in a heap to the floor.

I should have known God would never leave.

During difficulties, unwanted life changes, and the craziness of the day, it’s easy to allow the mind to whirl with frustrations, whines, and complaints. And, far too easy to wonder in hardships if something is missing, something that keeps us from feeling God is near.

Whining and complaining wasn’t the answer for my unsettled soul. However, remembering God’s truth, the truth that He will never leave or forsake us. The truth is that Jesus said, “I am with you always even to the end of the age.” The truth is that God’s love is unfailing.

The truth of any situation is found in God’s truth.

You may feel as though you are all alone. Nothing could be further from the truth. God’s promises of His presence, His unfailing love, comfort, hope, and peace abound throughout His word. God’s hope, His presence, His love, is with you, even to the end of the age.

Thank You, Father, that You promise never to leave or forsake us. Thank You for loving me even when I’m a whining mess. Thank You that nothing is impossible for You. Help me take my eyes off anything that takes my focus away from You. Quiet my soul to hear Your voice and stand firm in Your loving Truth that You are always here.

“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” ~ Psalm 42:5 (NASB)

“…the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” ~ Psalm 33:18 (NIV)

“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

“…Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” ~ Isaiah 43:1-3 (NASB)

“… I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:20 (NASB)

(Emphasis added on scripture)

From Present in His Presence by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3LBKDLZ