The Comfort of GOD with us …
Immanuel: The Comfort of “GOD with Us”
“See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which is translated ‘GOD is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 (CSB)
Hey Y’all! As the year winds down and we reflect on the meaning of the season, I can’t help but feel drawn to the powerful promise of Immanuel. GOD with us. What an incredible thought! Not just GOD watching us from a distance, not just GOD guiding us from afar, but GOD with us in the mess, in the beauty, in the highs and lows of life.
This verse, nestled in the first chapter of Matthew, reminds us of the heart of the Christmas story: GOD stepping into humanity through the birth of Jesus. But Immanuel isn’t just a story for the past, it’s a truth we carry into every moment of our lives.
GOD with Us in Our Challenges
Life has a way of throwing us curveballs moments when we feel like we’re walking through fire or standing in a storm. Maybe it’s a health scare, a challenging relationship, or the unknowns of a big decision. For me, preparing to move across the country to California has brought moments of excitement, but also moments of fear and uncertainty.
Yet, in the middle of it all, Immanuel whispers: You’re not alone. I’m with you.
Isn’t it comforting to know that GOD doesn’t leave us to figure life out on our own? He steps into our circumstances, carrying our burdens and walking beside us.
Psalm 46:1 says, “GOD is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” Immanuel means we never have to face trouble without His presence.
GOD with Us in Our Joys
The promise of Immanuel isn’t just for hard times it’s also for our celebrations. When life is beautiful, when our prayers are answered, and when we experience blessings, GOD is with us, delighting in those moments.
Think of a time when something wonderful happened, and you just knew it was GOD’s hand at work. Those moments remind us of His nearness. For me, stepping into new opportunities like becoming the Women’s Ministry Leader for the Metro L.A. Church has been a joyful reminder that He’s been orchestrating every step of the journey.
James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” GOD with us means every joy we experience carries His fingerprint. 🙌🏾❤️🙌🏾
GOD with Us Through It All
The truth of Immanuel GOD with us is a reminder that we don’t have to earn HIS presence. HE came to us before we could ever reach for HIM. JESUS entered our world in the humblest of ways, born in a manger to show us that no place or person is too small for HIS presence.
The promise of Immanuel isn’t temporary and it wasn’t just for the Christmas story or the time Jesus walked the earth. It’s for us today! HIS Spirit lives in us, guiding us, comforting us, and reminding us of HIS love.
Romans 8:38-39 reminds us, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of GOD that is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.”
Living in the Light of Immanuel
As we reflect on the meaning of Immanuel, let’s carry this truth into our daily lives. GOD is with us in our parenting struggles, our marriages, our work, and our dreams. He’s with us in the mundane and the extraordinary! HE’s with us in every season, even the ones that feel uncertain or overwhelming. This Christmas let’s not just celebrate the birth of JESUS; let’s celebrate the promise that came with HIM. Immanuel is more than a name, it's an invitation to experience GOD’s presence in every part of our lives.
Where do you need to feel the presence of GOD today? What areas of your life can you surrender to the truth that He is with you?
As you meditate on these truths, I encourage you to listen to “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by Maverick City Music. This beautiful song is a heartfelt prayer and a reminder of the hope we have in Immanuel. Let it stir your heart as you reflect on the promise of GOD with us.
O Come O Come Emmanuel (feat. Naomi Raine & Nate Moore) | Maverick City Music | TRIBL
Let’s embrace the gift of Immanuel this season and every day.
#Immanuel #GODWithUs #Matthew123 #FaithInEverySeason #GODIsNear #JoyInTheJourney #ChristmasReflection #PresenceOfGOD #MaverickCityMusic #OComeEmmanuel #ShebloomsHERE