God is with Us
One of the most powerful things we can do is be with another person. Coming alongside someone else, letting them know that we are there for them, and that they are not alone, can make a difference.
Presence is powerful, something I’m sure that we’ve all experienced in moments of crisis, grief, or difficulty.
That’s why the incarnation—Jesus, the Son of God, becoming human and walking among us—is so powerful.
We reflect on this truth every Christmas, singing songs about Immanuel and watching children’s plays about the shepherds visiting Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, but this is a truth that we can reflect on throughout the year because God has been with His people in powerful ways throughout history, and through the Holy Spirit is with us today.
God is with Us in the Wilderness
“After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”
Exodus 13:20-22 (NIV)
The Israelites were called out of Egypt and into the wilderness in spectacular fashion. But that meant that these people were leaving behind everything they had ever known. I cannot imagine the doubts that probably crept into their minds as they found themselves in a land they did not know, unsure how they would sustain themselves.
But in the wilderness, God was with them in this incredible sign of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They had a constant visual reminder that God was with them in their wanderings.
Throughout our lives, we find ourselves in the proverbial wilderness, where we are confused and unsure which way to go. But even in those moments, God is with us. God doesn’t abandon us in the wilderness, but He walks with us through those difficult times. And, sometimes, the wilderness is the most beautiful place we can be because our dependence on God grows.
How have you experienced God’s presence in the wilderness? What did you learn about God in that season?
God is with Us in the Darkness
“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit… All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).”
Matthew 1:18, 22-23 (NIV)
I’m always struck by the realities of the world that Jesus stepped into. Israel was under Roman occupation, there was corruption within the priesthood, and the promises that God had made to His people had seemingly gone unanswered. It was a dark time for this nation, and it was precisely then that Jesus decided to “take on flesh” as Philippians 2 puts it.
Jesus didn’t come during a time when Israel was doing great, but when the people were struggling. This was a dark time for God’s people, which makes it even more powerful that He chose to come close and be with them.
There are times in our lives when things are dark and it feels as though there’s no hope. When corruption and oppression feel overwhelming, God is with us. When violence is ever-present and systems are unstable, God is with us. We aren’t without hope in the midst of darkness, because the God of justice and mercy has come and will come.
How have you experienced God’s presence in the darkness? What did you learn about God in that season?
God is with Us in Our Emotions
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
These words were spoken by Jesus to His disciples before His ascension. I cannot imagine the emotional whiplash that His followers went through after seeing Jesus die, rise, and then ascend. That would be a lot to process in a relatively short period of time. I imagine that the disciples were still grieving and sorting through all that had happened when, 10 days after the ascension, they were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
As they were all gathered together, bringing all of their complicated emotions, confusion, fear, and uncertainty with them, the Holy Spirit showed up in an incredible display.
Life is hard and confusing, there’s no doubt about it. There are many opportunities every day to be fearful and uncertain. But even in the midst of those thoughts and emotions, God is with us through the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t leave us because we’re feeling too much; in fact, it’s often in those places of grief or fear that we can feel God’s presence even more powerfully.
How have you experienced God’s presence in emotional or confusing times? What did you learn about God in that season?
The Presence of God
The Bible is filled with examples of God choosing to be with His people. He is not a far-off disciplinarian or an ego-filled ruler, but a loving parent who is present in our lives.
It’s easy to forget God’s powerful presence when we’re in the wilderness, the darkness, or the emotions, but that’s why reminders like these in the Bible are so comforting.
No matter what you’re facing today, God is with you and for you. You are not alone. You have a powerful advocate, a loving parent, and a wise guide walking through life with you.
I pray that you are reminded of God’s presence as you go about your day today.
40 Days of Enjoying God’s Presence
Behold God’s Presence
It’s easy to forget to enjoy God’s presence as we’re navigating through the cares and busyness of life. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This devotional from the desk of Sarah J Callen is filled with open-ended prompts and lots of blank space to write. Pick up your copy today to simply slow down and enjoy God.
