Take the word cleave for example: it can mean both to split or sever or separate, and to stick together or be strongly attached. Two completely opposite meanings wrapped up into the same word.
It's the same with the word abandon.
On the one hand, it means to desert or leave someone or something with no intention of returning.
To be abandoned is passive. It is something that happens to us. To be abandoned and isolated is our biggest fear, because we were made for attachment and connection and relationship.
John Townsend says,
"Attachment, or bondedness, is our deepest need. This is because it is also the deepest part of the character of God. The Bible goes so far as to identify the very nature of God with love: 'God is love' (1 John 4:8) ... Just as connectedness is our most basic need, isolation is our most injurious state. The most severe punishment in prisons throughout history has always been solitary confinement ... Whatever is cut off tends towards deterioration."
To be abandoned is devastating.
On the other hand, to abandon yourself means to intentionally and willingly give yourself over to something, to surrender to it. It is active, it is a choice. It means to show a complete lack of inhibition or restraint.
"Abandon" literally translates from the Old French as "a-" - without + "bandon" - control. Originally, it meant to 'bring under control', later to 'give in to the control of' or to 'surrender to' someone/something.
We can give up our control and surrender to something/someone when we know it's safe. We can surrender to God when we understand that He is safe.
"I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you."
[Hebrews 13:5 NLT]
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
[Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT]
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