By David Ettinger
A Hostile Place
The world is becoming ever more hostile for Christians.
For decades in the West, our deeply held values have been mocked, assaulted, and dismissed. We have come to expect ridicule, but the stakes are getting higher as the secular world looks to criminalize our ethics. Expressing our beliefs either is, or is on the way to, becoming illegal.

In oppressed nations, Christians are beaten, imprisoned, and executed for their faith. In the West, Christian-restrictive government legislation could lead to fines, firings, closure of businesses, and perhaps imprisonment for Christian “offenders.”
As each day brings new attacks on our beliefs, it seems as if God is aloof. We want to ask Him, “God, are You seeing what is happening here? Do You notice? Do You care?” Of course we know the answer to these questions, but we are frustrated nonetheless.
Marvelous Assurance
God does indeed care. In fact, He knew it was coming, warned us about it, and told us He would be in the midst of our trials. Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
So yes, there will be tribulation, but God is bigger than our tribulations. However, this is not God’s only word of encouragement. He knows that when we are in the midst of our trials, we need Him desperately. Therefore He gives His children this marvelous assurance: “I will not leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).”

The Word “Leave”
Let’s look at the various meanings of the Hebrew words for “leave” and “forsake.”
There are two Hebrew words for “leave.” One is raphak, which means “fail,” “loosen the grasp,” or “drop.” The second is itsh, which carries the idea of being “abandoned” or “rejected.” Therefore, we can translate this verse in several ways:
- “I will not fail you.”
- “I will not loosen my grasp on you.”
- “I will not drop you.”
- “I will not abandon you.”
- “I will not reject you.”
What assurance!
The Word “Forsake”
Turning to the word “forsake,” here, also, two Hebrew terms are used. The first, azab, can also be translated as “to depart,” “leave behind,” “let loose,” or “set free.” The second word is natash, which means “to cast off.”
Therefore, we can translate the second part of the great promise this way:
- “I will not leave you nor depart from you.”
- “I will not leave you nor leave you behind.”
- “I will not leave you nor let you loose.”
- “I will not leave you nor set you free (as in to rid Himself of you).”
- “I will not leave you nor cast you off.”
Even more assurance!
A Marvelous Assurance to Cling To
God is all we need, and to make sure we know this, He gives us a wondrous promise we can hold on to for the rest of our lives: “I will not leave you nor forsake you.” God will never fail you, loosen His grasp on you, drop you, abandon you, reject you, depart from you, leave you behind, let you loose, set you free, nor cast you off.
As we move closer to the end of the age and experience increased opposition, Christians must cling to this marvelous assurance and never let go!
vicklea
September 19, 2019
Yes, it is a marvelous assurance!
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mrsmariposa2014
September 19, 2019
What a wonderful comfort this is! Thank you for solidifying this truth by breaking it down so well here! My middle boy, Timothy, has been experiencing some discouragement lately. He is very serious-minded in his faith for 15 and it can be hard to go to school with kids who aren’t necessarily like-minded. I’ll show this to him. I think he will appreciate it. ☺
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dettinger47
September 19, 2019
Thank you, Marisa, and may the Lord bless Timothy richly!
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mrsmariposa2014
September 19, 2019
You’re welcome and thank you!
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seekingdivineperspective
September 19, 2019
Yes, wonderful assurance, even when we’re going through something that has nothing to do with persecution but is nevertheless life-threatening and terrifying. Having been awakened this morning at 4-something by a call that came on me like my worst nightmare, I have been grabbing hold of the Lord and clinging to His promises since, and I know no matter what, I am in good Hands.
… I guess this is one of those “unspoken prayer requests.”
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dettinger47
September 19, 2019
Sorry about what is going on. Will pray right now!
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Bruce
September 19, 2019
I have also lifted you up in prayer as David has done. Grace and blessings Ann.
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thanksbetogod
September 19, 2019
Many prayers your way!
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Blue Collar Theologian
September 19, 2019
Praying for you!
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seekingdivineperspective
September 19, 2019
Thank you SO much!
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Bruce
September 19, 2019
David, you are a gem! Thank you, I’ve reposted! Grace and blessings.
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dettinger47
September 19, 2019
Thank you so much, Bruce!
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thanksbetogod
September 19, 2019
Another wonderful reminder of the truth of God! He will never abandon us: the more we study the more that is evident. Thanks David!
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dettinger47
September 19, 2019
Thank you for the kind words!
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Kim Petitt
September 19, 2019
As the “church” we stand apart from the world. Our beliefs are becoming more and more challenged and opposed. Jesus said that we would be hated by all men for His sake, but He who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 10:22).
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dettinger47
September 19, 2019
Amen. Well said, Kim.
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Sonrisa
September 20, 2019
Marvelous assurance, God is so,good.
Thank you David
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dettinger47
September 20, 2019
Thank you, Sonrisa.
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Sonrisa
September 20, 2019
Reblogged this on LIVING BY FAITH and commented:
FTA …As we move closer to the end of the age and experience increased opposition, Christians must cling to this marvelous assurance and never let go!
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SLIMJIM
September 21, 2019
I see this being shared on the blog of those I read! Praise God!
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dettinger47
September 21, 2019
Thank you, Slimjim.
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SLIMJIM
September 21, 2019
You’re welcome!
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