God Is With You

October 8, 2012

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Jesus centered. Jesus is the most admirable, deserving, worthy person in the universe. He is fully God and fully man. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5), and He is an ever present help in time of need (Psalm 46:1). God rescued Daniel from the lions. God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fire and they were not burned. Just like God was with those men, just like God was with Paul in prison—He is with you.

Out of the lions’ den. When David was in a cave hiding from his enemies, he wrote about his soul being among lions (Psalm 57:4). Satan is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). He’ll try to attack people’s finances, hinder people’s thinking, and suppress creativity. We are to resist him, firm in our faith. That’s why we need to be renewed in the spirit of our mind and use the shield of faith to extinguish all his fiery darts (Ephesians 4:23; 6:16).

Get your eyes on God. In the cave, David reminded himself of God’s goodness. He acknowledged the problem, and then shifted his focus: “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises! For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds” (Psalm 57:7, 10). You can take hold of the promises of God and speak them boldly—even while you are surrounded by enemies.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Keep moving. Don’t get stuck in the middle of your trial. Paul admits that there are troubles in this life, but (and there is always a “but”) God has solutions and answers. No matter how difficult circumstances have been, God wants to help you get back up (Proverbs 24:16). Every trial has an end, but God’s mercies never end—so let Him have the final say in your situation. You will make it through.

Press on!
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2012 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.