Sep
7
Always
Filed Under Devotional
“[...]And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b
This verse is often quoted as encouragement and support for those who feel alone or overwhelmed by their situation. As I read about God being with the army of the Israel in the Promised Land, I realize that confirmation that God is with you can bring about some other emotions, too.
I can imagine annoyance. Maybe you don’t really want to go fight that battle or talk to that person. It’d be nice to say to yourself, “Nah, he’s not interested in my thoughts on my faith. What’s the point? I’ll just leave him be and we’ll both be happier.” But, you can’t, really, because God is with you. God will guide you through the conversation and give you the words if you are acting according to His will. There is still the possibility that you’ll make a fool of yourself, but you’ll be doing it for God. He can use it all. There’s no excuse if He’s always with you.
I can imagine fear. If God is always with me, I can’t get away from Him. We all have that American desire for the right to privacy. With God, there is no absolute privacy. He is witness to all. That fear comes from realizing that you can’t split your life into God time and non-God time. It’s all God, all the time. The fear goes away when you realize that He’ll never condemn you for that which you confess. He’ll never stop forgiving you for that which you ask forgiveness. He’ll never turn you away when you humble yourself.
I can imagine others, but you get the idea. Being safe means you can’t hide. Being in His presence means you’ll have to come clean. Following Christ isn’t easy or always pleasant, but it’s right and it’s what’s best.
Besides, you’re not alone. He’s always with you.