God with Us in the Ordinary

I used to think that when God shows up, it's in a life-altering, magnanimous way! Thunder and lightning, fire and brimstone, great earthquakes, the dead raised to life, the sick instantly healed. Although the Bible testifies that those things do happen when God is present, it also tells of stories when God manifests as a small, still voice.

Jesus came into the world not as a prince with fanfare, but in a quiet, dark stable. No one noticed but the shepherds and the Magi, and of course Mary & Joseph. It was just another ordinary day for the shepherds until the host of angels showed up. The Magi were most likely not expecting to find a king in a dark, musty stable, but that's where Jesus was.

He is always with us, even in the ordinary, everyday life. He is with us as we care for our little ones when they're teething, in our conversation with a co-worker, while we think about what to make for lunch. And yes, as we wash the dishes, fold the freshly laundered clothes, get the kids ready for school, mop the floor, scrape scribbles and drawings off the wall... He is present, with us, just a quiet, small, still voice. He wants to speak to you, encourage you, and remind you that He loves you and He sees all your hard work and sacrifice. All we have to do is stop and take a listen. Maybe try that today and enjoy His presence that gives us rest.

Here are ten bible verses that declare that God is with us:

1. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23

2. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 ESV

3. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

4. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

5. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

6. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

7. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me... Psalm 23:4 ESV

8. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7

9. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:7

10. The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. Zephaniah 3:17

God is with us when we seek Him, even when we are not aware of His presence. God warns us though, that He will forsake those who forsake God and reject Him:

He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. 2 Chronicles 15:2 NIV

May you be filled with the Lord's sweet presence throughout your day. The Lord delights in you and enjoys being with you. Never stop seeking Him and you will always find Him.

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