JESUS IS HERE

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous! Do not
tremble or be dismayed, for the
Lord your God is with you
wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

I think I've mentioned this before but my first Christmas “piece” was at our church when I was at the ripe old age of four. I was the youngest participant and greeted the guests with four lines of welcome. All the other kids were big...primary and juniors in their departments. At dress rehearsal, I got up to say my piece and absolutely froze. There were other kids and parents in the auditorium and I was petrified.

Our teacher, seated on the front row, walked up to me. I was standing on a high part of the stage and she on the main floor. Although on the short side, she managed to gently take hold of my ankles and lovingly spoke encouraging words to me that ended with, “Remember Glendarae, Jesus is here.” I thought in my young mind, “You have got to be kidding.” I looked all over that huge room and I didn't see Him anywhere. I knew what he looked like from the pictures on the wall of our Sunday school room. I didn't see Jesus, and so as far as I tell, He wasn't there.

In all of the turmoil we are facing today, I wonder how many times, even the best of Christians have asked themselves, “Where is God in all of this?” We are facing threats on every side: riots, burnings, political conflict, death threats if you don't wear a mask, keep a distance from people, our country's freedoms at risk, education systems a mess...all too much to be hit with at the same time.

We Christians in our sincerity speak firmly regarding our belief in the sovereignty of God. That may mean different things to different folks but bottom line, we know that God is greater than any problem we face. We are used to dealing with people in person, face to face. In general conversation, we prefer person to person contact than by phone or computer. We are used to face to face conversation which is why today's masks are so disturbing. We want to see the real person, the real thing.

When God says in His Word that He will be with us, it's a promise we can count on. As believers, we have abiding in us, His precious Holy Spirit who is with us no matter where we are. Over fifty years ago, I had a brief surgical procedure to remove a small tumor. I had claimed a verse in Isaiah 41:13 for that time. I was single with no family or friends around. I hadn't said anything much to anyone about this so felt very much on my own. That verse reads:

“ I the Lord thy God will hold
thy right hand, saying unto thee,
'Fear not: I will hep thee.'

I recall the surgical nurse beginning the process of an IV to be put in my right arm. I asked her kindly if she could put it in my left arm because I had “Someone” holding my right hand. We knew each other and she understood and complied with my wish. I knew as well as knowing my own name, that the Lord my God would in His own way, hold my hand.

We need to get serious in these days about knowing and relying upon our God of strength and power. Nothing I consider negative can touch my life except it first filter through the fingers of our Heavenly Father. What we see as negative, God may see as a positive for our good. We are not to be people of fear. God hasn't given us the spirit of fear...that's Satan's doing. If I rely on God's promise to be with me, work on my behalf, then fear shouldn't enter my thinking. I have often felt that the more I fear, the more that would be solved. Satan loves that.

Whether saying a Christmas piece or being wheeled into surgery, God has promised us His loving attention and presence is ever with us. He wants us to trust Him no matter the problems or stages of life. Let's remember that God will always be the boss through anything we face.

Thank You Father for the fact that You are in charge. Keep Your hedge of protection around us and strengthen us in mind and spirit in facing the problems and evils of this world we face daily. We praise You for who You are in our lives. Help us to keep trusting. May we find a special peace by basking in Your love and care consistently. In Jesus' precious name...Amen