God with us

God never leaves us or forsakes us; it's a promise that's found intricitly woven throughout the story of the bible, almost like a glistening golden thread revealing God's love and brings comfort and joy. It's a declaration of God's faithful, covenantal love for us, and one that doesn't depend on us, or our circumstances, or how good we are! Why?, because like everything we have, it's a gift that comes from the Almighty!

To begin with, we see Gods promise right back when the nation of Israel was established. The phrase 'God with us' is found early in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy) and it's contained within Moses' farewell speach to the people as they stood ready to enter the Promised Land without him. With fear rising in their hearts, Moses spoke words of encouragement;

Deuteronomy 31:6
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.”

But these words weren't just words of personal comfort, no, it was much more that that, for it was a national promise from God to the people as they faced an unknown future, filled with struggles, battles, and hardships, as they strived to established themselves as a nation in the land that God had given!

Secondly the promise is found in the personal reassurance to Joshua, who was Moses' successor. He most likely felt the immense weight of leadership as it was placed upon his shoulders, and so God speaks to him personally, reassuring him that He 'will not leave him' and will strengthen him for the role.

Joshua 1:5
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

In this, God directly links His presence with Joshua, ensuring his success and courage, making it the foundational tenet for his leadership.

Thirdly, we find God's promise in the poetic expressions of King David, especially after the many trails he went through. David experienced highs and lows during his life, from shepherd boy to king, from celebrated hero to a fugitive running for his life, Yet throughout it all, every high and low, David constantly returned to the truth in his songs that God was with him throughout.

Psalms 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.

Psalms 94:14
For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.

Even as his closest mortal relationship failed and crumbled, David found peace in the constant unwavering presence of God. (and so can we!)

Even the prophets spoke of God's promise!

The prophet Isaiah spoke to the nation as it faced exile and judgment. Yet, even in the coming punishment, God's presence remained their ultimate hope.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

*Notice here that God doesn't prevent trails from happening to us, and this verse reframes the promise as God guarantees His presene, companionship and protection throughout it!

The Ultimate Fulfillment; A Promise in Christ!

God's promise finds its fullest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).

After His resurection Jesus' departure from earth was not an abandonment simply becasue it led to the gift of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer, 'God with us!'

The writer of the book of Hebrews quotes the Old Testament promise directly, and applys it to all believers:

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

And here acording to the commentaries, the Greek is emphatic, as it uses multiple negatives for strength: "I will never, no, never leave you; I will never, no, never forsake you." so He's never going to leave us!

Jesus Himself in the Great Commission repeated the promise which ends with an eternal guarantee:

Matthew 28:20b
....And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We even find God's promise to be with us even at lifes end,

Psalms 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

And so to close this tread up!

Make no mistake, God's promise doesn't guarantee a pain-free life! Many of the people who received God's promise directy, Joshua, David, the Israelites, they faced wars, loneliness, and extreem suffering in their lives!

But God's promise is something far greater than a pain free life, for it's the guarantee of God's presence in the midst of all of life's trials,,,, He's with us!

It's the assurance that we're never alone, or abandoned to face life's struggles alone.

The truth is, throughout life, our circumstances may change, our feelings may waiver, but His faithful character and covenantal promise remains, so whatever it is you're going through, remember, Jesus said,

....And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Have a great week, and God bless.

Trev.

PS, if you like what you read, share it with a friend,

and this song is like a musical hug, so have a listen 🤗