When Did Jesus Leave the Room?

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

When did Jesus leave the room? I'm at a funeral. I'm staring at the television watching the twins towers fall. I'm reading news on Twitter, appalled by things parents do to their children. I'm at the doctor's office and he mentions cancer. I'm at home with my blinds drawn, huddled in depression. I'm at work...and the list goes on. This could be any of us wondering where Jesus is in all of the suffering and pain.

But Jesus didn't leave. He's been with me all along. Maybe I turned my back on him. Or I forgot he was there. Or I blamed him. But he didn't leave. Instead he held me when I cried. He comforted me when I needed it most. He hung in with me, even when I yelled at him. Jesus doesn't leave. I do. I take a step away, a leap over the edge, or withdraw into myself. Yet he whispers in my ear, "Don't be afraid. I'm right here. And I'm not leaving."

I love Jesus and he loves me. There are times I long to be with him in heaven and shove this world behind me. But guess what. He's with me here. He will never leave me or forsake me. Praise God for his constant care.