EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US

Note: As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas day in about one week, I can think of no better name to share with you this month for our final "Names of God" blog series as we end this year than Emmanuel, God With Us. I actually shared the post this Monday for my Monday Microblogs on my social media outlets but wanted to share it again here for our Warrior Woman Blog community. It is my sincerest prayer you are comforted this Christmas in knowing no matter where you are or what you may be going through, God is still present with you. He promises to be EMMANUEL to you always.

Jesus came, and He is soon to come again. But let’s not forget He is ever present with us as EMMANUEL. Have you taken the time to notice His presence with you lately, right in the midst of your very existence? Well, He is. God is with you because He is EMMANUEL, God with us.

During advent celebrations, we often reflect upon how Jesus came to earth, and the promise of His return as we wait expectantly. But in the here and now, we can sometimes become distracted by life. When we are busy or bogged down with realities that feel heavy, it can be challenging to see God’s presence in our present. In fact, we can become so stressed out and frustrated with life situations, we may very well feel that God is distant, removed from the very things that concern us.

It is important to remember God is just as present in our current circumstances as He was in all of the details surrounding Jesus’ birth. Matthew 1:23 says, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name EMMANUEL, which being interpreted is, God with us.” God is always with us. Always. Even when we don’t feel him near. Even when we are in the thicket of grief, heartache, disappointments, or trials, yes God faithfully remains with us…always.

If you find yourself in a hard place - physically, emotionally, or spiritually this Christmas - please remember you are not alone. God promises to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). In Psalm 46:1 (KJV) we are reminded, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Talk to Him and tell Him everything on your heart. Nothing is off limits. When you do, you will discover He is closer than you think, and He has never abandoned you.

As we reflect upon the advent theme of love, be comforted in knowing there is no place you are currently where God’s love cannot find you. God’s love is so powerful, we can be assured through His presence with us right now, even in this very moment. His love will reach us, prevail for us, and win out every time. Why? Because He is God with us, He is EMMANUEL.

Prayer of A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) to

Emmanuel, God With Us

Adoration

Glory, blessing, and honor to the only Holy God, worthy of all my praise and adoration! Lord, I extol you because you are Emmanuel, God With Us! Hallelujah to your name!

Confession

I confess there are times I wonder if you are near, and I have doubted your active presence at work in my life. Please forgive me for those times I allow my feelings to dictate your nearness to me, and I falsely believe you are distant.

Thanksgiving

Thank you Father, for promising to never leave me or forsake me. Thank you for being present with me in my times of trouble. Thank you Lord, that you are closer than my best friend, and you prove yourself faithful to me over and over again. I can rejoice that you are Emmanuel, you are with me at all times.

Supplication

I ask for greater faith to trust your presence. I ask for spiritual eyes to see you present in every situation in my life. I ask for discernment to sense your presence at work all around me and within me. I ask for the reassurance of your presence to bring great peace in my heart and mind. I love you and glorify your name, Emmanuel, amen.