He is Always with Us
The last two years, the Lord keeps speaking to me a specific message—a scripture. Initially, it was comforting because I understood it was from Him and He kept bringing it back to me again and again in different ways. That first year, I understood that it was to be the scripture to guide me through the year. But as time went on and the year went on, the message became disconcerting. In moments when I felt I needed precise answers from the Lord, this scripture would be the only thing that I would hear from Him.
I even got angry at the Lord one morning, and told Him I needed a direct answer for this very difficult situation I was facing. A bit later, I got a text from a friend telling me she felt that she was supposed to share with me her morning devotional. The scripture attached to the devotional? The same one the Lord kept speaking to me: “Have I not commanded 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.” Joshua 1:9 It makes my heart cry and my eyes tear up just now as I remember. The scripture did not go away after that first year. It followed me into the next year—and even up until now.
Next to His salvation provided through our beautiful Lord Jesus Christ, HIS PRESENCE, I believe, is His greatest gift. Even if we never received another thing from the Lord—not another blessing or another answer to prayer—His Presence would be more than enough to sustain us. HE is more than enough… Jesus knew that this was so very important for us to know and understand. Matthew 28:20b records, as the last part of its last verse, these words of Jesus: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He knew that we would need to hear this and accept this.
I have learned over time that the Lord has been giving me the greatest instruction that I could ever receive from Him…He will NEVER leave me and no matter where I am on this earth—in a desert, a city, whether joyful or sad, lonely or in fellowship, or even enduring the harshest of persecution—HE Himself will be with me—right there with me! And truly, I am learning, that this is more than enough… It has been a journey from just believing this is true to now knowing it is true. And just when I think, “Ok, Lord, I’ve got it! I understand now,” and I’m happy and satisfied and ready to move onto the next lesson…it’s as if He smiles and gently says, “Again.”
I’ve stopped getting frustrated and have realized He is branding, imprinting, embedding this deeply into my soul. There must be a reason… Perhaps the days are coming when I will need this message…this scripture…to carry me through in ways and circumstances I cannot even predict or imagine.
Today, let’s spend time with the Lord. Let’s bask in His Presence. Let’s sit still and be quiet and learn to hear the sound of His voice. Let’s allow His Presence to be more than enough and let’s remember that He will be with us always…wherever we go.
Katie Botello
FBC Aztec Member