Never Abandon You

Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

Psalm 27:10

THE FEAR OF abandonment is strong in many people, especially children. For a little boy named Braxten, who’d spent the first months of his life in an orphanage in another country, the fear and worry were nearly unbearable. Whenever his mother and father tried to get away for a few days and leave Braxten and his sister with relatives, Braxten went ballistic. He threw fits, refused to sleep, and kept everyone awake all night. The parents could never take time for even a date because of it.

After some counseling, though, the parents began to teach Braxten to pray to the Lord about his fears. He learned to talk to God about what worried him, and he seemed to find a listening ear every time.

Though it was slow going, when he turned five, he began to show signs of improvement. One night he told his mom about a dream he had in which he was in a tunnel. But in the dark, he could see a light ahead. He told her that God said that he, Braxten, was moving into the light of joy and peace.

Today, Braxten rarely suffers nightmares and can let his parents go away for a trip without “losing it.” Even as a little boy, he claimed the promise of God that no matter what happens in this life, he will always have the Lord there with him.

God makes the same promise to you.