Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #17 — Never Alone

Picture: Counsel #17 — Never Alone CI 175.1

Abandonment cuts deep. Whether through the rejection of a parent, the betrayal of a friend, or the feeling of being emotionally neglected, being left behind leaves wounds that often bleed into how we see ourselves. It’s easy to internalize the lie that if people walk away, it must mean I’m not worth staying for. CI 175.2

Even during these feelings, abandonment doesn’t define your worth - God does. He never walks away, and His presence is steady, even when people are not. It’s okay to grieve the losses and acknowledge the pain, but don’t allow your spirit to stay in that dismal slump. Healing begins when you start to separate the actions of others from your own identity in Christ. What someone else failed to give you doesn’t cancel the love God has always had for you. He sees your fear of being left behind and wants you to know that He’s not going anywhere. As you heal, slowly begin surrounding yourself with a community of people who reflect God’s consistency. Consider including a mentor, a counselor, even a church family; Safe relationships will help rewire what abandonment tried to steal.^[191] CI 175.3

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NIV CI 175.4

“Christ will never abandon the soul for whom He has died.” Ellen White in Prophets and Kings, p. 175 CI 175.5

Reflect: What would it look like to trust in God’s faithful presence, even in your loneliness? CI 175.6