Some days can seem hurried, pressured, and tense. We may know God’s truth, we believe His goodness, and yet we still find ourselves struggling, minds racing, before our feet even touch the floor in the morning.

Our focus gets blurred. We start listening to the lies of other voices that do more harm than good. The constant media headlines tell us how dark and broken our world is. Images and reminders all around us shout that we’re “not enough.” The enemy is great at heaping on guilt, condemnation, and fear. The problems we face seem more like giants, it’s hard to see how God can ever bring anything good from them.

The problems we face seem more like giants, it’s hard to see how God can ever bring anything good from them.

But often, out of His goodness and grace, when we find ourselves right smack in the middle of huge feelings of defeat, God shows up strong.

Many others have been there too. All through the Bible, story after story tells us of those who needed God’s reminders that He was near. With them. Close.

And He never failed, not once.

Gideon found himself feeling weak and afraid. In Judges 6, we find that he and his people were facing great suffering and defeat at the hand of the enemy. He doubted God was even with him. In fact, when an angel showed up, he was threshing his wheat in the pit of a winepress, not up on a hilltop where this was usually done. He was fearful and trying to keep hidden from view of the enemy who’d been raiding their land. The angel spoke straight through to his fear and weakness, “When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12, NIV)

Don’t you love that he called him “mighty warrior” right at the time he felt so discouraged and afraid?

Our loving God sees “mighty” when we see “weak.” He sees victory when we see defeat. He gives hope, when we’re filled with disappointment.

Our loving God sees “mighty” when we see “weak.” He sees victory when we see defeat. He gives hope, when we’re filled with disappointment.

Gideon questioned, “If God was with us, then why did this happen?”

Sounds familiar…how many of us have ever been there?

“If God is really here, then why?”

“If God is really good, then when?”

“If God really cares, then how?”

And even with the questions, after His people had turned their backs on Him, God still proved to be gracious, patient, loving, and kind. He sends his messenger of encouragement, to remind Gideon and all of the Israelites, that He was surely with them.

Yet while staring straight at an angel, Gideon continued to persist with defeated thoughts, “But I am the weakest, I am the least…how can God save Israel?”

“And the Lord answered, ‘I will be with you…” (Judges 6:16, NIV)

Five powerful words. That can see us through anything we face in this life.

“I will be with you.”

He reminds us throughout His word that the power of His Spirit is available to us through Christ. We can’t do it all on our own, we were never supposed to. Yet God is so loving to constantly see us through every dark place, giving strength to the weary, and power to His people.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

“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 41:10, NIV)

“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, NAS)

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

God’s Presence is real, and He is faithful to provide what we need for every day. The battles we face can be intense. And some days, especially, the enemy seems too strong and we feel worn out. We may find ourselves wrestling again with the same defeated thoughts that we thought we’d finally laid to rest just the night before. Disappointments come. We struggle with feeling like we haven’t measured up. We listen to the lies that take us further towards defeat.

But God still answers us. Just like He did for Gideon.

And He promises to be with us, no matter how we might feel, or what struggles flood our thoughts. He fills us with the power and grace of His Spirit, just enough for the day.

For this day.

A reminder for your heart, in whatever you might be facing, “The Lord is with you…mighty warrior.”

Peace to you.