Yes, the Lord is with Me
by Sue Cronk
The four-letter word ‘with’ is packed with significance, especially when used in the same sentence as ‘the Lord.’ ‘With’ means to be accompanied by another and implies that you are no longer on your own. With this thought in mind, the psalmist exclaims, ‘The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies’ (Psalm 118:7). I don’t believe that he was saying this in a passive, ‘matter of fact’ way, but rather with passion and conviction. In the rest of the psalms he gives testimony of God’s intervention in his life, which was proof that God indeed was with him. The Amplified version of this verse reads, ‘The Lord is on my side and takes my part’. If God is on our side, and He is, then we can confidently trust that He is also ‘for us’. And if God is for us, then who can possibly stand against us? (Romans 8:31).
God is indeed with us, His children, and that fact should strengthen, encourage and motivate us. We are no longer orphans, left to fend on our own, but God is with us. God is for us. He is not standing off, watching us from a safe distance but rather is close up and personal and ready to prove Himself strong on our behalf. We just have to ask (Isaiah 41:10 & 43:2, and Psalm 9:9-10, 37:39 & 46:1).
Throughout scripture we read the words ‘so the Lord was with …’, or it is at least implied on a consistent basis. For instance, the Lord was with Joseph and he succeeded in everything he did (Genesis 39:2-3). The Lord was also with Moses, Daniel, Joshua, the righteous kings of Judah, the judges and with the nation of Israel, when they walked humbly with their God.
We also see the same pattern repeated in the New Testament and see that God was ‘with’ the twelve disciples, and ‘with’ the early church. He worked with them as they preached the gospel and confirmed the message with signs and wonders (Mark 16:20). Jesus promised that He would be ‘with’ them till the very end of the age and they expected that He would be (Matthew 28:20). This promise was not only for them, but also for us today. You never have to fear being on your own again, because God is with you.
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You are with me and helping me as I traverse this life with its many challenges. I don’t want this fact to just be head knowledge, but rather heart revelation. Remind me of all the past times You have been with me and intervened in my life. I choose today to believe You are with me, for me and are never going to leave me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sue Cronk now lives permanently in Australia and is married to Peter. She is involved with Ellel Victoria and is presently teaching on the Explore Course in Melbourne. Her passion is to encourage God`s people by speaking hope and courage into their lives.
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