J.C. Ryle

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee…. (Hebrews 13:5).

Let every believer grasp these words, and store them up in his heart. Keep them ready, and have them fresh in your memory; you will want them one day.

Stick to that word ‘never.’ It is worth its weight in gold. Cling to it as a drowning man clings to a rope. Grasp it firmly, as a soldier attacked on all sides grasps his sword. God has said, and will stand to it, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.

Never! Though your heart be often faint, and you are sick of self, and your many failures and infirmities—even then the promise will not fail.

Never! Though the devil whispers, ‘I shall have you at last; yet a little time and your faith will fail, and you will be mine’. Even then the Word of God will stand.

Never! Though waves of trouble go over your head, and all hope seems taken away. Even then the Word of God will stand.

Never! When the cold chill of death is creeping over you, and friends can do no more, and you are starting on that journey from which there is no return—even then Christ will not forsake you.

Never! When the Day of Judgment comes, and the books are opened, and the dead are rising from their graves, and eternity is beginning—even then the promise will bear all your weight. Christ will not leave his hold on your soul.

Oh, believing reader, trust in the Lord forever, for He says, “I will never leave you.” Lean back all your weight upon him. Do not be afraid. Glory in His promise. Rejoice in the strength of your consolation. You may say boldly, “The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear.”