When ‘Never’ Doesn’t Feel True

Promises are a touchy subject for some people... Normally, because the past keeps them from hoping for the future. Previous hurts or betrayals can prevent people from trusting God when He makes promises. Judges 2:1 reminds us of a holy never: “I said I would never break my covenant with you.” But let’s be honest—sometimes it feels like God is distant.

Here are some points to tackle the tension between our pain and God’s promise:

1. God’s “never” is a covenant, not a condition.

- He doesn’t leave when we mess up. His promise is rooted in who He is — not how we feel.

2. Pain distorts perspective.

- We may project our hurt from others onto God, but He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).

3. Obedience restores connection.

- When we choose to follow Him, even in hard seasons, we experience His presence again (Joshua 1:8-9).

4. The secret place still matters.

- In quiet moments with Him, confidence is restored—not just in His power, but in His presence (Psalm 91:1).

5. The Cross is proof we’re never alone.

- Jesus took on abandonment, so we’d never have to (Matthew 27:46).

Romans 8:38-39 reminds us: Nothing can separate us from His love.

God’s promises are still true—even when “never” doesn’t feel true.