Until Further Notice – God Is With Us

“I’ve said all along that God is in control.”

Tony Dungy

What comes to mind when I say the word ‘Emmanuel’?

For most people they think of Christmas and the little baby Jesus born in a stable. “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel….”

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Matthew 1:23 (NIV)

I had the blessing of talking with a good friend last night. Like me, he is a leader at his job. The past ten days have not been fun for him at all. He has faced the difficulty of furloughing a quarter of his team, and he is also faced with a significant pay cut while his company tries to survive the storms caused by COVID-19.

After a long conversation, my friend said something profoundly simple but often overlooked. He said “It has been comforting and reassuring knowing that God is with us – even in the midst of crisis. I feel bad for those who don’t know this truth.”

It’s a truth we often overlook. After Christmas, we forget Emmanuel. Emmanuel means ‘God with us.” And Emmanuel is not just for Christmas. Emmanuel, God with us, is there for us all year long.

Have you lost hope? Have you faced discouragement? Look to the One who is in control – who is our fortress in times of trouble. Until further notice, look to Emmanuel.

Prayer: When the world seems bleak and hopeless, look to the one who is with us. Ask for a reminder of this truth today.

Ponder & Discuss: How have you experienced God’s presence recently? How as Emmanuel made a difference in your life? (Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.)

The Lord Almighty is with us.

Psalm 46:7 (NIV)