Music Monday: “You Don’t Leave Me” by Selah & Natalie Layne
By: Debbie Waltz
For the past three weeks, our church has been delving into the second letter to the Corinthians. For anyone who doesn’t know, this is one of many books penned by the Apostle Paul as he continued to mentor the church in Corinth. Even as they tried to share the good news, internal disagreements hindered their ability to live in unity. Paul’s earlier letters provide guidance to early Christians on how to address sinful actions within the church and welcome back those who have repented. He implores Christians to recognize and attend to the needs of their fellow believers, acting as a supportive family unit. He understands life’s difficulties and believes people shouldn’t face them alone, which is why the church plays a role.
They need Jesus and each other.
The biblical accounts of the earliest Christians frequently depict them enduring significant adversities that rigorously challenged and solidified their faith. Throughout every circumstance, the Almighty God has proven to be eternally reliable, ensuring provision and offering protection to those under His care, and diligently fulfilling all of His promises.
Paul states that this is a necessary and expected part of Christian life, claiming it’s vital for developing godly character. In every scenario, God acts either as the supreme ruler (the cause) or the supreme permitter (the effect, because of sin, foolishness, etc.).
As Paul states in II Corinthians 1: 8-10: “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver,..” (Emphasis added).
Despite Paul’s struggles, God remained by his side. As Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 31:8,” The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will not fail or forsake you. Do not fear or be displayed.” (NIV) David reiterates this confidence in Psalms 135:5. It says: “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Selah’s song “You Don’t Leave Me” serves as a reminder that we don’t face our challenges in isolation; God remains with us throughout every difficulty. Regardless of whether God causes or allows the hardships we face, He will utilize them to fulfill His ultimate plans. He will meet us in our pain.
Endure a little more, and let your past experiences remind you of God’s past provisions. He hasn’t failed you yet, why would he start now. While writing this, I remembered what a previous pastor once told us: “When you can’t trust his hand, trust his heart.” (Emphasis added)