devotional - day 20

Matthew 1:23 (NIV) God with us

This is by far one of my favorite phrases that I cling to always. The idea that God is with me is nice. However, there is something about the word “us” in this verse. He is with us!  All of us. As a whole. So when believers are together he is with us regardless of where that believer might be in their relationship with God. It may be floundering or it may be flourishing, but that doesn’t stop God from being with us. He is even with non-believers. For within the us is family. God’s family. We are all his children. The big whole lot of us on this planet. Past, present, and future. 

The phrase just gives me an increased sense of encouragement that I am not alone and that God is always around. Always always always. So, with you and your kids - God is with us! With you and your friends - God is with us! If you have a significant other - God is with us! With your siblings - God is with us! And if God is with us and therefore for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? 

No matter the situation, God is with us and he will provide and protect and love us through it all. May you take comfort in that thought as you go about your day today. :)