The Goodbye We Never Have To Say

“See you later, alligator.”

“Speak soon.”

“Until next time.”

Why do we find all sorts of creative ways to say goodbye, even if we’re only going to be apart for a few hours?

“Goodbye” feels weighty, even when it isn’t final. It reminds us of the limits of relationships. There are always separations. We aren’t omnipresent. We live in a world where every yes is a no to something or someone else. 

But there’s one relationship where this isn’t true, where we never have to say goodbye. Not even for a second.

God is With Us

Which Bible verse about God being with us is your favorite? The phrase is reiterated over and over – to Abraham, to Joshua, in the Psalms, in Romans. One that sticks in my mind is Isaiah 41:10:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

As God’s children, whatever we face, whatever limit or challenge or loss or joy, he’s with us, actively and lovingly involved in our lives. 

God is With Us, Always

Time and place don’t constrain God’s “with-ness.” Between his resurrection and ascension, Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew:28:20).

The whole Trinity is involved in this unbroken fellowship between God and His people. We’re in Christ. The Holy Spirit is in us. Through Christ, we have access to God – always. So wherever we are, whenever we are, God is with us. There is no “be right back” with God!

Wherever we are, whenever we are, God is with us. There is no 'be right back' with God! Click To Tweet

God is With Us, Listening

“Pray without ceasing” would be a strange command if God weren’t listening without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 

But God is always listening to those who belong to Him, and he invites us to cast it all on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 3:12, 5:7). Because He is without limits, God can always be with us, always be listening, and His attention isn’t divided among His people even as He is attentive to each of His children. There is no “talk to you later” necessary with God!

God is With Us, Without Limits

Just as God can be attentive to each of His children without ever being distracted, He can be involved in our lives without neglecting any one of us or getting sick of us. Some of our short-term “goodbyes” carry relief along with their weight because we need breaks even from our dearest people. Not so with God!

Many, many verses in God’s Word demonstrate this – but the story of Jesus evidences it most powerfully. He came for us, to ensure we could be with Him forever…while we were his enemies. When he should have been most tired of us. Truly, his love is without limits!


This post may also be shared on: #TestimonyTuesday, #RaRaLinkup,  #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory#RechargeWednesday, #Heart Encouragement, and #SoulSurvivalLinkup.

8 Replies to “The Goodbye We Never Have To Say

  1. I have been noticing how people are distracted in conversation. This comforts me today >>> “God can be attentive to each of His children without ever being distracted, He can be involved in our lives without neglecting any one of us.” I’m grateful for His attentive ear!

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