Most of us chuckle when we hear a phrase like, “I may not always be right, but I am never wrong!” We smile because we know deep down that no matter what we tell ourselves, we cannot be defined by “always and never.” We are not always right, and we are often wrong. We may try to “prove” how right we are, telling someone else what they “always” do that annoys us. Other times, we assure them they are “never” there when we need them. Whatever our complaint may be, as soon as always and never show up, the judgment police are usually right behind. After all, we want to be right. The problem is that being right requires a change of heart and often ca change of direction.
Human beings are never (and I use the word here intentionally), we’re never always anything. Sometimes we’re one way, sometimes another. We don’t always keep promises. We don’t always get things right. We don’t always pray when we should. The fact is that we could remove these two words from our vocabulary and get along with more integrity. Even if we vow to our spouse that we will always love them, the chances are good, that every now and then we’re simply putting up with each other. Yes, deep down we still love, but at that moment, the love part is not surfacing.
The only truth that comes to mind with words like always and never, are the words of Jesus. He said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20, NIV)
What a powerful statement! He doesn’t say I’ll be with you when you’re thinking about Me, or I’ll be there for you next week, He says, “I am with you always.” Today, right now, this minute, no matter where you are or what you think, Jesus is your always. By extension, He will never leave you. If you’re going to apply a word like “always” to your conversations, then try something like, “Lord, I always need You.” Pretty sure He will never dispute that one.
He is with you ALWAYS and in ALL WAYS!