By My Side

By My Side:

"“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”" (Matthew 1:23)

The name of our Lord Jesus is Immanuel. In the original Greek language this is spelt ’Εμμανουήλ. Christ's name has the power to rescue, comfort, and provide in ANY time of need. ’Εμμανουήλ. Θεός με μας. Immanuel. God with us.

Just think about the glorious power contained in the Name of Jesus. Even just one tiny whispering of His Name sends a rushing ocean of mercy, healing, peace, and comfort into whatever situation you're going through today.

"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs." (Hebrews 1:3-4)

Christ our Lord sits on His divine Throne in Heaven, and He delights over us. The King of the whole universe takes the time to rejoice over us with singing! The very moment our eyes first pop open each morning, He smiles the most beaming smile of all and greets us with a glowing, "Good morning My child!"

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

Not only does Jesus reign supremely in the Heavens, but also in our hearts. The treasure of His Holy Spirit dwells within us. We are not of this world, or this world's system and all of its finite faultiness. We are born again of God into a righteous inheritance.

"What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." (1 Corinthians 2:12)

Have you ever found yourself trapped in the midst of an unsettling storm in life? In times that take us by surprise such as these, it's easy to find ourselves trying to use lots of logic to find a way out. However, analytic rationalisation is simply another outlet for fear. Fear is futile, and fear is fatal.

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)

Worrying is the result of allowing your problems or circumstances to become so enlarged in your vision that they end up crowding out the humble, gentle, quietness of God to the point where you don't see Him anymore. Don't allow your perspective to become so penetrated by panic that you push away the Prince of Peace.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

We may feel like God has turned away from us on occasion, but that will NEVER be the case. God has promised in His Word time and time and time again that He is faithful to never leave our side.

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

When the storm clouds start to roll in, it's our flesh instinct to allow ourselves to be completely consumed with worry. I know that feeling of being suffocated by stress, attacked by the spirit of anxiety, and focused on all things fear-based, but you've got to stand your ground.

How? How can I stand when my knees are weak and my drive is diminished by dark and dreary disturbances?

"And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”" (Exodus 14:13-14)

Turn your eyes toward the Lord, and tell Him what is pressing on your heart. Tell Him all about what you're experiencing. Our Lord understands all of our hurts, fears, and even temptations. He is more than happy to hold the weight of these burdens for you. He will fight this for you. Your job is only to latch your faith anchor onto all of His goodness and glory.

Even just a tiny amount of faith in God can move the most monstrous mountains. When your faith is in God, triumphant victory is the outcome. It doesn't matter the amount of faith you posses, instead, it only matters the One in Whom you place that faith! Remember all God has promised, and remember all His glorious goodness.

"in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began" (Titus 1:2)

God cannot lie, and He has spoken His promise of faithfulness. He is right here with us even in the storms we face. We need not let worry overwhelm us, but surrender all of the questions to be quieted in His Presence. Walk in the awareness of the Lord's guidance. He is right here, He has never left, and He never will abandon. So rejoice and watch Him win this battle for your good and His glory.

-The Introverted Evangelist