Not Away

He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:22

God's presence was with Israel throughout their wanderings in this pillar of fire and cloud, and He stayed right there with them for the entire journey. Do you realize what that means? That means He was with them when they complained about hunger, when they complained about thirst, when they spurned the manna and the quail. He was right there with them when they built the Golden Calf to worship in His stead. He was hurt and angered...but He never left them. God is faithful. He will never, ever leave us. You can turn your back on Him, reject Him, curse Him; but God will never turn His back on you.