Jesus’ Presence Changes Everything

Knowing Who is with you changes how you handle the hard.

Often when things don’t seem to go right in this life, we start feeling as if we’ve been left on our own. Pressures surround, troubles cling, or we find ourselves in deep seasons of grief and loss.

We may feel all alone, forgotten, and filled with doubt.

“If God was really with us, then why did that happen?”

“If God really cared, then why am I hurting?”

The questions and uncertainties swirl around us. And yet this very truth breaks through it all – the light and hope of our world:

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’).” Matthew 1:23

Even though God never promised our way would be easy, He did promise to be with us in it all.

The powerful word spoken through Isaiah the prophet 700 years before Jesus was even born is still so relevant and needed today.

Even though God never promised our way would be easy, He did promise to be with us in it all. He sent His own Son as a constant reminder that He alone holds the power to turn around any difficult season and bring great blessing and good through it all.

Jesus came into this world in the darkness of night when skies were black. Such a deep, symbolic picture of what He came to do. Light of hope ushered straight in, not when times were easy or bright, but when times were hard, when things seemed uncertain.

Don’t ever doubt or fear that He’s not with you. Don’t ever believe the lie that God doesn’t know what He’s doing, in this life, or in the world. What He’s allowed into our lives, even the most difficult of things, He will use for good somehow.

He hasn’t lost control. He has never forgotten you.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

And He is always faithful…to carry us through.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” Psalm 23:4a (ESV)

We may not see it.  We may not even be aware of His presence on the toughest days, but He hasn’t left us. Not ever.

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)

The very presence of Jesus changes everything…every situation…every heart.  God made a way to be right here “with us.”

The very presence of Jesus changes everything…every situation…every heart.  God made a way to be right here “with us.”

We never have to be afraid of the storms, uncertainty of the future, or changing times. For He knows our way and goes before us. Pure light shining greatness against skies of dark. He is “God with us,” our refuge and strength, our Savior and Lord. 

Dear God,

Help us to focus on You today, Lord, remembering that the gift of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, is our most treasured gift for the whole year through. Fill us with Your joy and the peace of your Spirit. Direct our hearts and minds towards You. Thank You for Your reminder that both in seasons of celebration and in seasons of brokenness, You’re still with us. You never leave us. 

Thank you for the power of Your daily presence in our lives. We are constantly assured Your heart is towards us, Your eyes are over us, and Your ears are open to our prayers. Thank You that You surround us with favor as a shield, and we’re safe in your care. We choose to trust You today and find rest in you.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.