I will be with You
by Bernard Kariuki
If there’s something we can hold on to, it’s the Word of God, for heaven and earth will pass away, but His Word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). He’s a covenant-keeping God and in today’s scripture, He’s promised never to leave nor forsake us, a promise He intends to keep, for He is God.
The good news is, these words are coming from our King, our Lord, our God, who is, above all, our Father. This is a promise we can carry with us every day of our life. Our Father will always be with us, whatever situation we might be facing. He’s a God who keeps His promises. He promised Sarah a child, and she had a son Isaac. He promised to deliver the children of Israel from their captivity, and they entered the promised land. The fact that His Holy Spirit indwells us is evidence of His fulfilled promises.
Things might not be going the way we want, but whichever direction they’re taking, we can praise God that He’s there, walking with us. His presence is with us, and that’s why His name is Immanuel. He’s carrying us through, all the way, strengthening us for each new season and every step of our life.
God cares for us no matter what the situation (1 Peter 5:7). He has never, and will never, stop caring. He’ll never walk away from His Word, and anything He’s uttered from His mouth doesn’t return to Him void. For we know God is not a man, so He doesn’t lie. He’s not human, so He doesn’t change His mind. His promises are ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ (Numbers 23:19 and 2 Corinthians 1:20). He desires us to just have confidence in Him
He’s telling us today “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you”. Hold those words close to your heart and trust in the one who is saying them to you today. Whether we’re in a pit, or whether we’re in a whale’s belly, like Jonah, He’s there. Whether we’re in prison, like Paul, He’s there. For He’s a promise-keeping God.
Although God spoke these words to Joshua, it didn’t mean that Joshua wouldn’t have to face the battle of Jericho or fight against other kings, but it gave him courage and confidence knowing that God was with him. Yes, we have to face ‘Jericho’ battles. We have to face opposition, but let’s be encouraged. We’re not facing these things alone. God’s right there with us, carrying us through.
Jesus, God the Son, was right there with His disciples during the storm. The disciples just needed to call to Him. He answered by rebuking the wind and the waves (Mark 4:39). We can do the same in our storms. We can call to the Lord Jesus. Let’s have confidence, knowing that we’re not walking alone.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I thank You for my life, I thank You for You’ve always been there with me. Thank You for this new year. Thank You for Your promise in Matthew 28:20 (‘And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’). Let me have that constant reminder in my everyday life. May I walk in confidence, and in freedom of the truth of Your Word. Help me believe. Amen.
Bernard Kariuki is from Kenya, and married to Yulia from Russia. They met in Ellel Ministries and served together for many years at both Ellel Scotland and Ellel Grange. Bernard has the desire to share the Word of God with young people, for he desires to see young people walking in holy fear of the Lord.
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