“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.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Never Leaving
New data shows Canadians are on the move, but not just across provinces — many are leaving the country altogether. In 2024, emigration from Canada hit a level not seen in years, with thousands of residents deciding to start fresh somewhere else in search of cheaper cost of living or an improved quality of life. According to a new report from rental platform liv.rent, which drew from recent Statistics Canada data, emigration from Canada last year reached its highest level since 2017, with 81,601 people packing their bags and leaving Canada.
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One of the sad realities of the world in which we live is that people leave us. Whether it’s our children as they head off to school or get married, or a spouse because of divorce or death, or parents and grandparents as they age. Every one of these leads to grief, some of it deeper than others. Each of these can rock our world. There is good news for the follower of Jesus, good news and a great promise. In Deuteronomy 31:6, we read, “’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.’” What a great promise. In a world of great change, our God who created us and loves us dearly, promises to never leave us or forsake us. His abiding presence gives us hope and empowers us to be strong and courageous, no matter what life brings our way. Trust Him to be your constant companion and never be concerned, He will leave. He never will.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley