He Will Be with You - Your Daily Forward Devotional

He Will Be with You

December 22

Read Isaiah 43:1-2a

But now, this is what the LORD says-He who created you, Jacob, He who formed You, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...

Reflect

How does it make you feel to know that God is with you?

Occasionally, one of my kids wakes up lonely or scared in the night. All alone in the darkness can be a terrifying feeling. When they do get scared in the night, they usually don't just lay there afraid. They run to their parents' room, where they know they will receive the reassurance they need. When they run to us, they are reminded of our presence. They remember that while it might seem like they are all alone, we are still there with them. Our presence calms their fears and brings them peace.

Friends, that is what God's presence does for us, too. It calms our fears and brings us peace. I don't know what you are facing right now. But if you are feeling lonely or afraid, don't just lay there alone in the dark. Run to the Father to be reminded of His presence. He says, "Fear not!" He reminds us that He made us and that we belong to Him. He knows us deeply, and He calls us by name. We are His. Most comforting of all-He is with us.

When it feels like we are going to be swept away and completely overwhelmed-He is with us. When the darkness is casting shadows on the wall-He is with us. When the pressure is on, and we feel alone under great stress-He is with us. When it feels like no one else is around who cares-He is with us. And He loves us. We are His.

If you are struggling with a sense of loneliness, do not be afraid or discouraged. You are not alone. Run to the Father. Dig deep into His Word. Pray. Cry out to Him. Seek His presence to remind yourself that He is still there.

"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 or forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6). You aren't alone!

Pray

Father, thank You for Your presence. It brings me so much peace to know that You are with me. Amen.