To abandon someone is to quit supporting them or to give up on them. If you’ve ever been through some of life’s toughest circumstances, you know what it’s like to be abandoned by some of your family or friends. You find out that there are people in your life that you can count on, and there are people that you can’t. When you’re looking for advice, a place to regroup, or just a shelter from the storm, some people that you seek out will abandon you. Some of the ones who you thought would support you through thick and thin give up on you.
David was a person who knew a thing or two about being abandoned. He was forgotten by his father, disrespected by his brothers, shamed by his wife, chased by the king, and dishonored by his son. The people in his life that he should have been able to count on, turned their backs on him at some point in his life. He knew a thing or two about rock bottom. He looked for those he could count on in times of trouble.
In all of his searching, there was one who never abandoned him: God. David wasn’t a perfect man either. He cheated on his wife, had a man murdered, and did some unthinkable things. Yet when he sought after God, he knew that no matter what he had done, God would not abandon him. He knew that there was nothing he had done that God couldn’t or wouldn’t forgive. When others gave up on him, God never did. In fact, God said he was a man after His own heart.
You may have walked David’s shoes. Maybe you’ve been abandoned by those who love you or you’ve abandoned the things you know are right. Either way, if you will seek God, He won’t abandon you. Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know you, Lord, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you” (GNT). It doesn’t matter what’s been done to you or what you’ve done to others, you can find shelter, hope, and forgiveness in God when you seek Him out.
Throwback Thursday is a feature I’m using to help build some margin into my schedule to pursue other ventures. Each Thursday I’ll be bringing you a previously written devotional that still speaks encouragement to us from God’s Word.
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 
Excellent. David also had his 600 mighty men who lived with him during his wilderness period.
My prayer is that, no matter the circumstances, God will always provide people around us who truly love and support us and point us to Him.
This is a good word, brother. Thank you.
Going back to your previous post, we were not meant to be alone. Especially when we’re going through tough times.
Being abandoned by friends and family is a painful business, that often leaves a lasting emotional scar. Yet such abandonment highlights true love from others, particularly from our Father Almighty God.
When I felt abandoned by friends and church members, I went to a bar every night. There was a plaque behind the bar that read, “In times of trouble, friends are recognized.” I remember having to fight the feelings of bitterness towards those whom I felt were supposed to be there for me. During that time, I learned how to choose better friend who were more than surface deep. It also highlighted my need for true relationship with God.
Thank you!!
You’re welcome