We are so often told that God is always with us in both the storms and celebrations of our lives.
We are told that he knew us before we were born.
And that life and death do not separate us from him.
But how can we translate that to something we understand in the modern-day world?
In Matthew 8:23-27
Jesus was with his disciples in the eye of a storm. They thought he was asleep and could not help them.
They were certain they were about to drown and cried out to him: “Lord, save us!” (Matthew 8:25).
Then He rebuked the winds and the waves, and suddenly there was calm.
An important lesson in this story is that;
His presence was with them all along.
Even when He seemed to be asleep, His presence was their protection.
The disciples felt alone, but they were not.
And neither are we today.
But there is more than this being demonstrated in;
The Heart of the Storm
Beyond calming the storm, Jesus revealed His divine identity.
The disciples’ astonishment — “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27);
points us to the truth that He is not merely a teacher or prophet, but the Lord of creation itself.
Their fear exposed a lack of faith, yet Jesus’ gentle rebuke reminds us that trust in Him is the antidote to fear.
The storm can be seen as a classroom: teaching that faith is not the absence of danger, but confidence in the One who commands the seas.
This moment foreshadows the ultimate peace Christ will bring when He quietens all chaos and ushers in His eternal kingdom.
How Do we Know God is With Us Today?
The promise that God is always with us can seem like a world apart from our lives today.
Some offer what seem like clichés or platitudes- assuring us that God is with us.
But, what I would like to know, you may think, is how do I know He is with me today?
I can only answer; it is because the scriptures tell us so.
Centuries of revelation and faith have revealed God’s presence to be much closer than most think.
I want to share some scriptures (there are many more) that bring alive the claim of God’s closeness and what it means for us today.
And how they can help us to accept the concept of Him being ever-present in our lives?
These scriptures can bring us;
God’s Peace, Courage, Comfort, Guidance, and Hope
- Psalm 46:1; “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”; promises peace in uncertainty, and when storms rise, His presence brings calm.
- Deuteronomy 31:6; “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you;” offers us support and encouragement in fearful times, when we remember we don’t face challenges alone.
- Psalm 23:4;.“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” ; this Psalm assures us of comfort in suffering, even in grief or pain, His presence sustains us.
- Psalm 32:8; “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go” ; another Psalm promising us guidance in decision-making when we allow God’s Spirit to lead us when we don’t know the way.
- Matthew 28:20; “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”; Jesus said these very words directly to disciples, and therefore also to us, assuring them/us of his constant presence.
Conclusion
In the Book of Revelation, God says “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
The Alpha and the Omega represent the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
Used in the Book of Revelation, they represent God as the beginning and the end of all things.
Meaning God’s presence is not limited to one moment or one storm, but stretches across all of time. All of eternity.
His presence was there before we were born; during our life here on earth; and will be there when we leave our mortal body behind.
This astonishing promise of being ever-present in our lives is a gift that we may sometimes overlook or misunderstand,
but it is of unbelievable benefit and of untold value to us today,
and should be acknowledged and treasured every day of our lives.
In the modern world where people often feel isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed, the reminder that God is with us;
— in hospital rooms, workplaces, celebrations, and grief —
is a message that needs to be shouted from the rooftops today.
Let us Pray;
Almighty God, who never leaves nor forsakes your people,
grant that we may trust always in your abiding presence.
In the storms of life, calm our fears; in the valley of the shadow of death, be our light;
and, in the journey of this day, walk beside us,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
