Always With You!

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.‘” Heb 13:5

In Genesis 28, we read about Jacob’s encounter with God at Bethel. He falls asleep and dreams of a ladder reaching up to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. God stands above the ladder and reaffirms the covenant He made with Jacob’s ancestors. Despite being in a desolate place, Jacob awakens and declares, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” Gen 28:16. Jacob realises that God’s presence was with him all along, even though he initially did not recognise it.

After Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples are walking to Emmaus, discussing the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. Jesus appears to them, but they do not recognise him. As they journey together, Jesus explains the Scriptures to them, revealing how all the prophecies were fulfilled in Him. It is only when Jesus breaks bread with them that their eyes are opened (Luke 24:32). They reflect, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” They realise that Jesus is with them, even though they did not initially perceive His presence.

Like Jacob and the disciples on the road to Emmaus, there are times in our lives when God is present, but we fail to recognise Him. When there are angelic activities going on on our behalf, when there is an open heaven over us but we never know. We may be going through difficult circumstances, feeling lost or alone, yet God is there, guiding us and sustaining us. In moments of joy and celebration, God is also present, blessing us and filling our hearts with gratitude. Through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture, we can cultivate awareness of God’s presence in our lives and learn to discern His. In times of trial and uncertainty, we can take great comfort in knowing that God is with us, walking alongside us through every season of life. His presence provides strength, courage, and peace, enabling us to face whatever challenges may come our way. As we meditate on this promise, let us hold fast to the assurance that God’s love and faithfulness endure forever. He is a faithful and dependable God who will never abandon His children.

In the 19th chapter of 1 Kings, Elijah, a prophet of God, experiences a moment of despair and desolation. After his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, where God demonstrated His power by consuming Elijah’s offering with fire from heaven, Elijah faces opposition and threats from Queen Jezebel, who seeks to kill him. Feeling overwhelmed and fearing for his life, Elijah flees into the wilderness and asks God to take his life. In his distress, Elijah expresses a sense of abandonment and hopelessness, feeling as though he is the only faithful servant left and that even God has forsaken him. However, despite Elijah’s despair, God does not abandon him. Instead, God provides for Elijah’s needs, sending an angel to feed him and giving him rest (1 Kings 19:5-8). God also speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper, reassuring him of His presence and purpose for Elijah’s life (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Just because you may not feel God’s presence doesn’t mean He is not with you. God’s presence is not contingent on your feelings or perceptions. If you are God’s child, by the inner-witness of the Holy Spirit, and you are not living an unrepentant or unforgiving life, God is always with you. His Holy Spirit dwells within you. He promises in His Word to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5, Deut 31:6, Jos 1:5), and He is faithful to His promises.

Kay Alli