NEVER Forsaken.

When I first started memorizing this verse, I was singing it incorrectly. 

I thought the phrase was learRned to repose. 

That's pretty much the way it goes for me.

1) I make a mistake, head down the wrong road, and have to go back and correct myself. 
2) I rarely lean, needing instead to leaRn each healthy habit a believer needs to pursue.

Rarely does sanctification, also known as growing in grace, come easily to me.

This week a dear friend shared something that got me thinking in that direction. She described an activity her husband undertook with their offspring. He passed out a collection of desirable items to his seven children. 

The older ones made every effort to hang onto as many things as possible. She reported that their hands and arms became overloaded with objects to the point where they began dropping some. 

Interestingly the younger ones would hang onto two articles and when a third came, put down one of them to accept another. The very youngest child took an item, put it on the floor, and waited to receive the next. His eyes were on the giver rather than the gift.

When the illustration was over, Daddy explained that we need to be careful not to hang on too tightly to the good gifts God gives us. Otherwise we won't be able to receive the fresh blessings He's ready to deliver, and we might lose sight of the Provider.

I've been pondering the Father's grace toward me and ways I'd like to dispense with some of my maturity in favor of such child-like perspective and confidence. 

God's faithful presence is my bedrock. I want to enjoy the security of that Truth more fully.

verse 6
The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

I will not, I will not, desert to its foes;

Relying on the work of Christ is a quiet, peaceful activity.
I want my resting in Him to be soul-deep.
The Father promises to protect my reposing soul from the enemy.

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake!

When my spirit is tranquil in Jesus nothing will disturb me.
I won't care if Satan makes the whole world convulse.
And, no matter what happens, God confirms His presence with me.

The sixth and final verse calls for six supporting Scriptures. 
You too can know confidence right in the middle of that pressure.

Read. Revel. Rejoice.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

"The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."  Deuteronomy 31:8

"No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."  Joshua 1:5

"Those who know your name will trust in you, 
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."  Psalm 9:10

"For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance."  Psalm 94:14

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 
'Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.'"  Hebrews 13:5

Did you learn all six verses? Are you still in process?
Hang in there. The rewards are rich, priceless really.

John Rippon wrote 'How Firm a Foundation' in 1787.

I pray the hymn is embedded in your soul as it is in the html code.