When Peter and John stood before the Jewish council after the healing of the lame man, the Scriptures record that the rulers “marveled, and they realized that they had been with Jesus.” This statement cites a misconception that prevails in the minds of believers and non-believers alike. Note, to the unlearned religionists the apostles HAD BEEN with Jesus. The truth was that Jesus was with them at that very moment! He told them, “I am with you always”. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that the Lord said, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.” Dearly beloved, once you give your life to Jesus Christ by receiving Him as your Savior, you become the temple of the Holy Spirit.

I often catch myself (or others) praying, “Jesus, be with us when we go here to do this ministry.” Wait a second! I don’t need to ask Him to go with me, because when I go, He goes. We turn things upside down so easily, don’t we? For example, the church that Jesus is building today7 is not made of concrete, mortar and fancy pews or steeples; it’s made up of people. The place where we gather is not the church; it’s the building where the church gathers together to learn about God and worship Him. When just two or three get together for His purposes, Jesus is in their midst. He is not only with us individually, but He is also amongst us corporately.

How important that we meditate on this blessed truth that Jesus is with us always. His presence is with us at work. Marriage symbolizes our union with Him. Reader, embrace this truth and, as Brother Lawrence so beautifully wrote, “Practice the presence of God.” His eyes are over you right now and His ears are open to your prayers. You can confidently declare today, “My times are in Your hand.” And, might I add that the hand of God will never let you go!

Romans 8:35 lists a number of things that could befall any one of us in this life, but following this ‘list of horrors’ is the sovereign Lord’s assurance that nothing and nobody can separate us from His love. Receive His love for you today! Are you lonely, hurting, and ready to throw in the towel? Turn your life over to Jesus, who loves you so much that He came to die for you so that you might have eternal life through Him. Ask Him into your life right now; it’s that simple.

Dear believer, if you are downcast today, look to Jesus. He does understand. When we give our lives to Jesus, cares and all, those around us will also conclude that we are walking with Jesus.