God With You

If there is one thing we tend to be well versed in, it's the idea of separation. This is commonly referred to as Deism. It's the idea that God is out there - somewhere - and we are down here. In Deism, God & man are totally separate. This is quite different than what we see in the Incarnation of Jesus. In the incarnation, God & man became one.

I realize that it's not Christmas. However, it's important for us to remember the other 364 days of the year that Immanuel has come. "God With Us" was born into the human race. According to the Nicene Creed, the very Light of Light, God of God, took on human flesh and dwelt among us. Now, in the person of the Holy Spirit, God is with us once again. I don't know about you, but I think it's time to get rid of our separation language.

What does that mean?
Jesus told His disciples, "I AM with you always..." That means that regardless of where they went, what they were doing, and what they were going through; Jesus was with them. His presence was an abiding gifts. In the midst of persecution - He was there. In the midst of celebration - He was with them. In the midst of work, rest, & play - Jesus was always there. They were to trust in His presence.

I believe we have gotten ourselves into a quandary of sorts with our language. We sing songs inviting Him to come. We pray prayers asking Him to be in our midst. We often go through lives without any thought of His presence. The question needs to be asked: If we have to invite Him to come, then where is He? Is He off on a journey? Is He somewhere High & Lifted Up out of our reach? Is God outside of our humanity? The reality is that if we are questioning His presence, it's only in our awareness of it.

I believe one of the greatest transformations that happens in our lives is when we renew our minds with this thought: HE IS WITH US!!!

The God who said "I will never leave you nor forsake you", has not left & has not forsaken. You may ask the Lord where He is in certain situations, but the reality is that it's our awareness of Him (or lack of awareness) that creates the issues. I have learned through inner healing ministry that God can be discovered even in the most difficult of situations. Those who have gone through abuse, pain, or loss, have found God to be very present even during these horrific events. While we may not know it at the time, the reality of God's presence with us never changes.

What if you believed that God was present with you at the grocery store?
What if you believed that God was with you at the gym?
What if you believed that God was with you while at home, around the table, or sitting in the living room with family?
What if we took God at His word & believed that every second of every day that He will never leave nor forsake us?
These are questions that need to be answered. There is a lifestyle that comes out of this awareness that will radically alter our reality.

Take some time today to thank the Lord for being with you. Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest His presence to you. I don't know what this will look like for you, but I assure you that the Spirit of God will make Himself known. He is "God with you." You don't want to miss out on it. Always remember that He who is fully God & fully Man is now seated at the right hand of the Father. That should bring some incredible encouragement to your life. From this day forward, it's all about AWARENESS.

Listen to the psalmist:
"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me." [Psalm 139:7-10]

He is everywhere. And He is everywhere with you. Enjoy the Journey!!!