Emmanuel: With Us In the Storm

A few years ago, a pastor at my church in California was taking us through an understanding of the names of Jesus.  As I was going through a time of depression, the name that spoke to me the most was "Emmanuel" meaning "God is with us".  I read this morning in my daily devotional that without walking in the spirit, trusting in God, we will, in a sense, not acquire the land.  For some of you, this may cause a conflict of conscience as you may have not received the Lord's forgiveness for the ways you have trespassed.  And, in truth, even as I daily seek his forgiveness and grace, I know that I find myself following the flesh, the distractions of the world, and not of the Spirit.

And yet, this conflict leads to the pain of our heart, as we know the ways of the God are the pathways to life.  This prick of our souls is brought about as we receive God into our hearts, we become temples of the living God.  He is truly "with us" always.  As we receive his grace, we are given the strength to turn away from the ways of the world, of sin, that which damages.  As a good friend once explained, Glory In, Glory Out; Garbage In, Garbage Out.

In continuation of this thought, we can know the Lord is ALWAYS with us in our troubles and will see us through, as we place our faith in Him.

As you know from previous posts, I am a tried and true "Whovian", that of which, a fan of Doctor Who.  So, I find in the Doctor a reference to our Lord, in that, he always comes through in the trials of the world and thus in the trials of those he travels with, consequently, aren't we truly "companions" of the Lord chosen by Him to travel with him?  (May you come to that revelation today!)
In faith, The Doctor's companions cry out to 'save the world', which only strengthens their faith in him.  As we saw with Wilfred, he will also seek to rescue the lives of those that he loves individually and do right by them.

That is the Lord Christ's promise, that he will come through, that he is with us always, that his statement is true that he says in Joshua 1:5: "I will not leave you nor forsake you."

So, my prayer for myself each morning, noon, and night, that I will trust in this promise and receive it fully and obediently, He is with me and will come through in all my trials, troubles, and circumstances.  For those of you readers of the WWW, may your hearts not fear but trust in the Lord's promise, know that he is with you, and will come through.

"Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according the the will of our God and Father." Galations 1:3-4

Selah

God The Healer: Day Three: God is with you

Day Three

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God” Ephesians 1:1

I believe wholeheartedly that recovery can only come through the work of the Lord working in us and revealing to us our shortcomings and sin. God alone can take a hurting lonely person and transform them into one that is whole, healthy, and of use to the kingdom of heaven. Furthermore, you need God to make you a new person

If in the midst of your pain and suffering you feel distance from the Lord, know that He is Emmanuel, God with us. Trust in the promise of Jesus’ words that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust in His words in Matthew 28:20, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” He is the eternal present and is with you right now in this moment. Study Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Believe that God has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within you and He will bring to your remembrance the truths that you need for each moment. Pray these promises and scriptures into your heart so they can become the air that you breathe.

Now, turn to Psalm 139:7-12 and meditate on the meaning of these verses, what God is speaking to you. Then, cry out to the Lord and ask for relief from your pain. Be honest, for he hears you and is attentive to your cry.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,,

Even there your hand shall lead me,

And your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on

me,”

Even the night shall be light about me;

Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,

But the night shines as the day;

The darkness and the light are both alike

to You.

Psalm 139:7-16

Write out your prayer on the lines below.

“The Lord is near to those who have a broken-heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 34:18