God With Us: Embracing the Divine Presence in Our Lives
As parents, we’ve all witnessed the heart-wrenching separation anxiety our children face. They cling, cry, and whine, desperate to remain in our presence. It’s a challenge for them to grasp that even when we’re not visible, we still exist. Interestingly, as Christians, we sometimes struggle with a similar concept regarding God. Just because we can’t see Him, does it mean He isn’t there?
The truth is, just as we desire to be present for our children in their pivotal moments, God, our Heavenly Father, has declared Himself to be with us always. This profound truth is encapsulated in the name Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus, embodying this name, came to earth, fully human, fully divine, to experience life as we do and to represent the Father.
But the presence of God goes even deeper. In John 14:15-17, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, who not only remains with us but also dwells within us. This divine indwelling empowers us to honour Him, making His presence a constant reality in our lives.
Understanding God as Immanuel unfolds through various facets of His character:
- Jehovah Roi: God Who Sees
- In Genesis 16, Hagar encounters God in her desperation. She names Him Jehovah Roi, acknowledging that He sees her in her distress. Like the lost coin, sheep, and son in Luke 15, God sees us in all our states, valuing and seeking us out to bring us back to Him.
- Jehovah Ezer: God Our Help
- Moses, after fleeing Egypt, names his son Eliezer, meaning “God is my help” (Exodus 18:1-5). Despite Moses’ past mistakes, God’s grace transforms him into a deliverer. This underscores that no matter our failures, God’s help is always available when we seek Him.
- Jehovah Rohi: God Our Shepherd
- Psalm 23 beautifully portrays God as our Shepherd, guiding, protecting, and providing for us. Like sheep, we often go astray and face dangers. Yet, God’s shepherding ensures our safety and sustenance, emphasising our need for His guidance.
God’s presence as Immanuel assures us that He sees, helps, and shepherds us. Accepting Him in these roles transforms our lives, anchoring us in His eternal love and care. Today, let’s embrace God as Jehovah Roi, Jehovah Ezer, and Jehovah Rohi, and live confidently in the reality that He is always with us – Immanuel.