Our Savior Is With Us Even During The Coldest Winters
The closing of another year reminds us how much life has changed, and family gatherings underscore our loneliness. Loss of a job or even a loved one or even a dream leaves a deep ache within our hearts, and we don’t know how we will recover. While this should be a joyful time of year, for many, it is not.
If you are struggling with feelings of disappointment, I want to remind you that Jesus came into a world of great conflict. It was not only a world of political unrest but also one of emotional instability and frustration.
Like today, many placed their hope in promises made by men and governments. Regardless of how detailed and researched a list of goals and plans may appear, if they are not based on the truth of God, they crumble under pressure.
The Roman government did not seem interested in an accurate understanding of God. They looked for God’s deliverance in terms of political freedom. The Father sent Jesus to free them from the bondage of their own sin. The Savior was born not in a palace but a stable. He did not lead a rebellion. He lead the only way to eternal peace, hope and security.
He is with us. Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)
The truth: God is with you. This fact can and will stave off feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. Jesus’ presence is something we can experience today ~ it is life changing.
The disciples called Him “the Christ,” indicating that they recognize Him as the fulfillment of God’s promise to mankind (Matthew 16:16). They believed the promise of salvation was living and walking with them each day.
Though their knowledge was limited, they understood that when they were in Christ’s presence, everything changed. difficulties were insurmountable,. Problems were solved, often in miraculous ways. They saw Him feeding 5,000 and witnessed Him walk on water. He was with them, but He also was with those who were hurting, lonely, and longing for healing.
When it seems there is no relief in sight, the one thing that changes this line of thinking is the reality that God is with us. We are not alone. He loves us and cares what happens to us, even when we don’t believe in ourselves. He sent Jesus to save us ~ but He also sent His Son to be with us.
God is with us and He wants to make His presence known to us.
He strengthened Joshua in the midst of battle with these words: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not stumble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
This is the key to our success, as it was for Joshua, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Noah or Moses.
Thought many seek to change or dismiss God’s truth, it cannot be altered. What He has promised, He will do! Through the coming of His Son, He is saying that He is with us, He is not distant, too busy, or engrossed in other challenges. He sees the difficulties facing us and understands the heartache we are feeling. If we will trust Him, He will give us the guidance and support we need to make it through our times of need.
A most wonderful aspect of God is the way He loves us. He listens to the cries of our hearts ~ the ones we don’t even know how to express ~ and hears them perfectly. When we are hurting, we need to know someone cares, and that Someone is Jesus.
When you face intense fear or sorrow, there is only one thing you need to know, that is: GOD IS WITH YOU. This truth turns fear into bravery. When you are worn out, weak, and battling with doubt, the fact that God is walking with you erases exhaustion and transforms it into unshakable strength.
When your faith is tempted, tried or tested, the encouragement of a friend may lift your spirits, but the only thing that will hold your heart steady in the middle of a great storm is that God is watching over you. He knows your needs and He promises never to leave you.
Lord, we need Your wisdom, guidance and encouragement, but most of all, we need to know that You are near. Nothing cheers a discouraged heart like the awareness of Your presence.
The awareness of His presence is all the comfort we need to face every problem with hope and unwavering certainty. Because He is with us!
The closing of another year reminds us how much life has changed, and family gatherings underscore our loneliness. Loss of a job or even a loved one or even a dream leaves a deep ache within our hearts, and we don’t know how we will recover. While this should be a joyful time of year, for many, it is not.
If you are struggling with feelings of disappointment, I want to remind you that Jesus came into a world of great conflict. It was not only a world of political unrest but also one of emotional instability and frustration.
Like today, many placed their hope in promises made by men and governments. Regardless of how detailed and researched a list of goals and plans may appear, if they are not based on the truth of God, they crumble under pressure.
The Roman government did not seem interested in an accurate understanding of God. They looked for God’s deliverance in terms of political freedom. The Father sent Jesus to free them from the bondage of their own sin. The Savior was born not in a palace but a stable. He did not lead a rebellion. He lead the only way to eternal peace, hope and security.
He is with us. Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)
The truth: God is with you. This fact can and will stave off feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. Jesus’ presence is something we can experience today ~ it is life changing.
The disciples called Him “the Christ,” indicating that they recognize Him as the fulfillment of God’s promise to mankind (Matthew 16:16). They believed the promise of salvation was living and walking with them each day.
Though their knowledge was limited, they understood that when they were in Christ’s presence, everything changed. difficulties were insurmountable,. Problems were solved, often in miraculous ways. They saw Him feeding 5,000 and witnessed Him walk on water. He was with them, but He also was with those who were hurting, lonely, and longing for healing.
When it seems there is no relief in sight, the one thing that changes this line of thinking is the reality that God is with us. We are not alone. He loves us and cares what happens to us, even when we don’t believe in ourselves. He sent Jesus to save us ~ but He also sent His Son to be with us.
God is with us and He wants to make His presence known to us.
He strengthened Joshua in the midst of battle with these words: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not stumble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
This is the key to our success, as it was for Joshua, Adam and Eve, Abraham, Noah or Moses.
Thought many seek to change or dismiss God’s truth, it cannot be altered. What He has promised, He will do! Through the coming of His Son, He is saying that He is with us, He is not distant, too busy, or engrossed in other challenges. He sees the difficulties facing us and understands the heartache we are feeling. If we will trust Him, He will give us the guidance and support we need to make it through our times of need.
A most wonderful aspect of God is the way He loves us. He listens to the cries of our hearts ~ the ones we don’t even know how to express ~ and hears them perfectly. When we are hurting, we need to know someone cares, and that Someone is Jesus.
When you face intense fear or sorrow, there is only one thing you need to know, that is: GOD IS WITH YOU. This truth turns fear into bravery. When you are worn out, weak, and battling with doubt, the fact that God is walking with you erases exhaustion and transforms it into unshakable strength.
When your faith is tempted, tried or tested, the encouragement of a friend may lift your spirits, but the only thing that will hold your heart steady in the middle of a great storm is that God is watching over you. He knows your needs and He promises never to leave you.
Lord, we need Your wisdom, guidance and encouragement, but most of all, we need to know that You are near. Nothing cheers a discouraged heart like the awareness of Your presence.
The awareness of His presence is all the comfort we need to face every problem with hope and unwavering certainty. Because He is with us!
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