Immanuel

The name Immanuel brings so much peace to my soul; it literally means "God with us!"

I cannot think of a time when I've felt the need for God's presence the way I do right now. Perhaps it's my age or season of life. Maybe it's the state of the world around us. No matter the reason, knowing God is with us brings immense peace.

The birth of Christ Jesus, Immanuel, ensured that God would always be with us. For 33 years, Christ became flesh and lived among humanity. Can you imagine what it was like to do life alongside Jesus?

It can be easy to think that since Christ isn't here in the flesh, God's presence is no longer with us. But before Christ ascended to heaven, He promised to send His Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity (John 14:16). Not only that, the Holy Spirit dwells in Christ-followers (1 Corinthians 3:16)!

Did you catch that? God not only lives among us, for believers, He lives within us! Friends, that is the most mind-blowing, peace-giving knowledge I have ever heard. God is always with those who have Christ as their Savior!

No matter how the mountains may move or the seas roar and foam, we can have peace knowing the God of all creation is with us! What a beautiful, hope-filled name is Immanuel. God with us!

Today, we encourage you to spend a few minutes reflecting on times you've experienced the Lord's presence in your life. Praise Him for those moments. Ask Him to open your eyes to realize His presence every day!

How have you personally experienced the presence of Immanuel in your life? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.