I Am With You!

“But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean From now on I will go to the Gentiles.’ Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.’ And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.” Acts 18:5-11

One of the most debilitating emotions is loneliness. Maybe you’ve felt that way in a hospital or emergency room; in a strange, new city or job; or even in the midst of friends and family. Feeling as if there is no one to care or share with is a terrifying sensations. It can even be deadly.

That is why one of the most comforting names given to our Savior is Immanuel - God with us. Because of the indwelling Christ, the believer is never separated from His permanent presence. We are in Christ, and He is in us. What an encouragement! What a comfort! What an assurance! We always have a shoulder to lean on - the broad shoulders of Immanuel. We always have Someone to listen to our heartache - our constant Companion, Friend Jesus.

The gods of other religions are usually in some far-off, remote corner, stoically seated in a seat of perfection. Not so with our Creator and Redeemer. Once in us, He will never leave us, abandon us, or forget us. Don’t let our adversary and accuser rob you of the peace and joy that comes from experiencing and enjoying the sweet presence of our God. No sin, no deed, no trial can ever diminish the full presence and acceptance of Christ once you have become His child through faith.

God is with you. God is for you. God loves you. Allow His presence to fill any void.