When's the Last Time you Said Thank You?

    To my fellow Christ-followers (however imperfect) have you ever been in a tough situation, maybe even a darn-near impossible predicament, and found yourself saying, "Lord, please be with me."  I know I have. When frightened, I've repeated it over and over. But just recently I started wondering why we ask that. Beg that. Nearly demand that when God's word promises us that He is with us - always.

   We read the following familiar words in the book of Hebrews:

"...for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid."

     In Matthew we read these words that Jesus spoke to the disciples:

"Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

     I don't think those words were strictly for the disciples within earshot of Jesus that day. They were also spoken to us.  We are to teach new believers about Christ's commands that have been passed down through the ages AND He is with US until the end of the age.  Isn't that good news? We are NEVER alone no matter how lonely we may feel.  Our feelings don't determine whether or not God is really with us...His word does.  We can't always rely on our feelings but we CAN rely on Jesus's promises.

    The past couple of weeks I've tried to affirm my trust in His promises to be with us by replacing the words, "Lord, please be with me" with, "Lord, thank you for being with me." This morning, I stared at myself in the mirror prior to leaving for an appointment, concerned that anxiety could creep its way in at any moment. I nearly asked the Lord to be with me, but then stopped myself before I could utter that request and instead thanked Him for His presence. For the record, anxiety remained at bay.

     I encourage you, too, if you've never thanked Jesus for being with you, to begin doing that. Acknowledge the fact that He's with you at the start of each day and throughout the day. I can't help but to think it makes Him smile. Who likes to be ignored?

     Lastly, I'll leave you with this other reminder from scripture that you don't need to ask the Lord to be with you, because He already said that He is.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the
LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  ~ Joshua 1:9