Wednesday, December 5, 2018

God is Near


Immanuel or Emmanuel— is Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל meaning, "God with us.” Immanuel is the word Isaiah used (7:14) when he prophesied about the coming of the Savior, and Matthew (1:23) refers to it in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. During the Christmas season we hear “God is with us” quite often—sung in songs, preached in sermons, and read on greeting cards.

Believers are encouraged to share this Good News with others. The message, “God is with you” is for everyone, but it is also a private message—it is God saying to me and to you, “I am with you, (Name).

A spiritual exercise recommended on SacredSpace.ie urges readers to take some time to imagine hearing these words, spoken directly to each one of our hearts. Who is speaking the words?

When I listen closely, I hear “God is with you” from a variety of sources. The pages of my Bible come immediately to mind, with those particular words in bold print, underlined, highlighted, and with a spotlight shining on them. I hear my husband saying them from the front of over a dozen churches. I hear a plethora of Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, and Christian friends reminding me that God is with me. Most especially, I hear God whispering them to my heart during my private time of prayer and devotions.

Who do you hear saying, “God is with you”?

The second half of the exercise suggests taking some time to imagine speaking these words. To whom do I speak them?

For me, I try to speak them through this blog, through cards that I make and send to those who are sick, shut-in, or discouraged, and through 1-on-1 conversations with family members, friends, or complete strangers with whom I feel God nudging me to encourage. However, I admit, I hear the words more often than I speak them.

Lord, who do you want me to remind today that You are with them? Show me when and how.

Be encouraged!

Pam

©2018 Pamela D. Williams