Oct. 8

Charles Spurgeon · Faith's Checkbook

NEVER ALONE

   "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken" Isa. 62:4

   "Forsaken" is a dreary word. It sounds like a knell. It is the record
   of sharpest sorrows, and the prophecy of direst ills. An abyss of
   misery yawns in that word "Forsaken." Forsaken by one who pledged his
   honor! Forsaken by a friend so long tried and trusted! Forsaken by a
   dear relative! Forsaken by father and mother! Forsaken by all! This is
   woe indeed, and yet it may be patiently borne if the Lord will take us
   up.

   But what must it be to feel forsaken of God? Think of that bitterest of
   cries, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Have we ever in any
   degree tasted the wormwood and the gall of "Forsaken," in that sense?
   If so, let us beseech our Lord to save us from any repetition of so
   unspeakable a sorrow. Oh, that such darkness may never return! Men in
   malice said of a saint, "God hath forsaken him; persecute and take
   him." But it was always false. The Lord's loving favor shall compel our
   cruel foes to eat their own words, or, at least, to hold their tongues.

   The reverse of all this is that superlative word, Hephzibah -- "the
   Lord delighteth in thee." This turns weeping into dancing. Let those
   who dreamed that they were forsaken hear the Lord say, "I will never
   leave thee nor forsake thee.''