God with Us
Another important name of God in the Bible that was given to Jesus (prophesied by Isaiah, attributed to Jesus by Matthew) is Emmanuel - God with Us.
While I don't have a specific experience that stands out where I could say that makes this name of God significant to me, I take a lot of comfort from all the verses in the Bible that tell me God is with me. I need this comfort and encouragement because believing that He is with me is a faith journey a lot of the time. I will admit, I'm sometimes a bit jealous that the people of Jesus' time actually got to see him, hear him, touch him.
Bible verses that I often remember in my prayers when I thank God for his presence with me are:
- He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother - Proverbs 18:24
- He is an ever-present help in time of need - Psalm 46:1
- Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with me - Psalm 23:4
- I will be with you always, even unto the end of the age - Matthew 28:20
- They will call his name Emmanuel, God with us - Matthew 1:23
God with Me
When I was growing up, I made more than one announcement to my parents that I wanted to be a hermit, live in the woods along, and work my own trap line. After I left home, the idea of being a hermit didn't last long. While I do enjoy my solitude, I also enjoy companionship. Walks with my wife lately are a cherished activity.
One of the first things God said in Genesis after he created Adam was 'It is not good for many to be alone.' Sometimes even my wife can't understand the things I struggle with - a work issue, or something else - and I can feel very 'alone' in a problem. The comfort of knowing that God is 'an ever-present help in time of need' is paramount. He promised to be with me, listen to me, and walk through this with me. The catch? I have to believe these promises.
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| Photo by Jan Canty on Unsplash |
Other Names of God Significant to me..
- El Roi - God Sees Me
- Jehovah Shalom - God is my Peace
- Elohim Shomri - God is my Protector
- Jehovah Jireh - God my Provider
