I am with you
Today was a hectic day…in fact, that could be one of my biggest understatements. Every now and then, all of my worlds collide. This was one of those day. It was a busy day at my job pulling me in multiple directions, busy at home with things I needed to do, busy personally, and an evening focusing on military. ALL of my worlds at one time. Somehow, I remained calm and not anxious nor forecasting worry of what I had left to do or what would come next. Not somehow, I know where this calm came from. I know where I get my peace.
Isaiah reminds us to “not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV). As I sit here reflecting on today, I felt that God strengthened me throughout the day. It may have been a little thing like arriving just in time for a meeting and being ready or something larger when all of this chaos falling into perfect harmony. As I read this verse today, I paused and read it again. I find myself closest to God or most aware of God in my struggles. I lean on Him and find myself acutely aware and seeking His guidance, His voice, His affirmations. I also acknowledge when things are going well in my life, I am less inclined to see those same little nudges, those same affirmations.
God is no less with us to strengthen us and uphold us during the easier times than He is during the difficult times. I am just less open to seeing Him, to acknowledging Him when I am not in immediate need. It’s this relationship, not seeking Him only when I need Him, but seeking Him always that gives me the strength, the faith to know that during those difficult times, He is still there. The fact is, He has always been here, I just might have been to focused on me to see.
Today I pray that whether you are in a period of joy or sorrow, that you look for God in all things. I pray that you seek His strength even when you may not need it, it will be that foundation that is strongly built for when you do. I pray that as much as you kneel in prayer in desperation that you kneel in prayer in praise.
