I have had the privilege of knowing Jesus since I was six years old. Through many seasons of my life, many years later I still choose to know Him more and love him with a fierce obedience.

There are some scriptures that stick with you throughout your life. You just can’t shake them. They bury themselves deep within our hearts. When harsh realities present themselves, these words, these scriptures, bring themselves to the surface of our hearts and bring comfort in a way that nothing else can.

For me, these words that the Lord spoke to Joshua just before he bravely tackled the task of leading the Israelites into the promise land, are those words that bring comfort and clutch at my heart strings.

The Lord said to Joshua: Joshua 1 – ‘I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The beauty of this scripture is that the call to be ‘strong and courageous’ is followed by a promise. The promise is that He will be with us. The expectation is not that we must muster up some sort of strength and courage to face what lies ahead. Rather, the affirmation is that as we remain in His presence, His power will carry us. We will be fuelled by a supernatural strength and courage that is only displayed in our weaknesses.

As we become Christ-sufficient, we become less self-centred. Our selfishness causes fragility. Our selflessness creates faithfulness. Our reliance stretches from here to heaven. Our arms are strengthened as we surrender our independence and instead, hinge our hesitations on the heart of Jesus. He is with us. His nearness is not a nicety, its a necessity. His presence is His promise.

In the depths of difficulties, strenuous situations, confusing circumstances and rough realities – He promises to be with us. He does not promise that the outcome with be satisfactory. No. He promises that His presence will be sufficient.

Gods presence gives us purpose. Gods presence graces us with the patience needed for the task ahead. Gods presence grants us pleasant pastures. Gods presence guarantees the missions success.

Never forsaken. Never forgotten. Our Father is faithful forever. His goodness and glorious presence pursues us. We are not alone. He is with us.

Gods presence is His promise.

He is with us!

“Jesus name above all names
Beautiful Savior, glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed Redeemer, living Word”