Communicating Effectively

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23 NKJV

We put together a lot of different phrases to be sure we're being understood. Have you ever noticed?  Do you understand what I'm saying? Do you know what I mean? Do ya follow me? Ya feel me? Catch my drift? See what I'm saying? Are you with me?

I'll be honest with you - most of them just pluck on my last nerve, especially if asked by someone who maybe doesn't think I'm capable of following...but that's another issue - one I keep before the Lord. LOL!  My son used to say to me, "Mom, if you'd tell me BEFORE I hit that last nerve, I wouldn't pluck on it..." At any rate, we want to be sure we're communicating effectively - be it ahead of time or in the present.

That's what I love about the Lord and His Word. He communicates effectively. You always know where God stands. He stands WITH us - so much so, that He proclaimed it in His Word - long before we heard about it in Matthew 1:23. That verse actually is quoting Isaiah 7:14... He is with us.

And He’s not just with us for a moment – That’s the Promise.

Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

And verse 8 of the same chapter, And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

Joshua 1:5, No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5, Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

So the next time you ask, “Are you with me?” Remember that He is Immanuel – God with us.

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your promise to never leave us or forsake us. Thank You for being with us in the path You have laid for us. Thank You for the peace that comes in knowing that we are not alone. Let us ever be mindful of Your presence. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen