With Me

I have learned one thing to be consistently true about my nature; I am a “with me” person.  I love to have someone with me when times are challenging, when I need to get a job done, or when I want to have some fun.  Having someone with me seems to make the tasks lighter, the jobs go faster and life just seems easier.  I don’t know about you, but I am pretty sure it feels similar for most people.

I was reading the book of Acts the other day and noticed, for the first time, the Lord revealed in a night vision to Paul that He was with him.  Even Paul needed reminded that he was not alone.  I got to thinking of all the times the Lord told people throughout the Bible He was with them.  From the beginning, we get a glimpse God came to walk in the garden with Adam and Eve.  He didn’t need to tell them; it was evident He was with them there.  Several chapters later, He appeared to Isaac in Genesis 26 and assures him there is no need to be afraid as He is with him.  Then in chapter 28, Jacob dreams; it is revealed that God is the God of his forefathers and is with him and will watch over him.  In other moments, He meets with Abraham and Moses.  He was seemingly as close as a whisper in these patriarch’s lives.

As we move into the prophets, He reminds the nation of Israel of this truth.  In Isaiah 41:10, He states, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God.”  Again in chapter 43, He mentions to the nation to not fear, for He is with them. Through Jeremiah, He states He is with them and will save and rescue them.  In Haggai, the Lord twice makes a declaration, “I am with you.”  Over and over again, He tries to refresh His people’s memory, personally and corporately, He is with them.

Then, after approximately 400 years of silence, Jesus came to walk the earth and made the same statement.  In Matthew 28:20, He told the disciples to remember, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  He was still driving this point home, in person.  Why does He need to keep reminding them?  Has His track record not proven itself?

Then we are back to Paul.  He would have known all the times the Lord told His people He was with them from his study of the Torah and the prophets.  Yet he needed to hear it for himself.  Am I not the same?  Walking through this world, knowing how many times He has said it, yet wondering if it was meant for me?  Is He with me?

As with any of His promises, I have to choose to believe Him and take Him at His word.  If I am listening, He is whispering to me continually.  I can walk in confidence that He is walking with me.  I might enjoy the earthly company for this task or that challenge, but when it matters the very most, it is good to know that He is with me.