For the last two weeks I have heard the word, “Immanuel” resonate in my spirit.  It was prophesied in Isaiah 7 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:23  “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.” 

This means so much to us for our eternal lives and peace, but also for our daily lives and peace.  It means that God was in our yesterdays but He is also in our tomorrows.  It means that if you allow Him to, He will hold your hand through the scariest event and will be cheering alongside you as you cross the finish line of the most exciting day of your life.  It means that no matter what you will face in this life you have the certainty that, through Jesus, He has already prepared “a way of escape” from the temptation to follow after old patterns of sin, mental battles, and your usual cycles of struggle that typically leave you hopeless, destitute, and depressed.  He has prepared a way for you to rest in His presence.  He has provided a way for you to feel loved when no one around you notices you, feel joy when everything in your life is sad, and feel hope when all looks lost.  He gives us a mental prompt in this passage, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b  He is identifying with our struggle, yet He is telling us what His death afforded us…..His overcoming power!!!   But is not okay with Him for you to know only what He did for you because that would seem very impersonal and dying for you was very personal to Him.  He comes to reassure you of His constant companionship and love ....”And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matt. 28:20

Whatever you are facing today, you must know that you are not alone.  The same God that has worked out your eternal salvation is capable of handling your today.  If you don’t understand this your life will be a living torment, but with this knowledge and relationship comes the greatest peace imaginable.  With each presenting struggle, whisper to yourself…”God is with me, God will never leave me, God will never forsake me, I will call Him Immanuel.”