Last week, I wrote about how God goes before us to prepare the way ahead of us. What’s really cool is that not only does God go before us, but He also goes right along with us. In fact, one of the names given to Jesus is “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Matt. 1:23).

As you read the Bible, you see many examples throughout history of God reminding His people that He is with them. Once again, I believe He wants to remind us today that He is with us. There are at least four different reasons why God wants you to know He is with you, and I’d like to share them with you over the next few days. Today, I’ll share the first two reasons.

#1 – God wants to comfort you in difficult times.

Psalm 46 assures, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear … The LORD of hosts is with us” (v. 1-2, 7). If you’re going through a time of trouble right now, take comfort in the fact that God is with you. You are not facing this battle alone! Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Even if you’re in the middle of a storm today, know that He is right there with you. Let Him be your refuge and strength!

#2 – God wants to encourage you to move forward.

God often calls us to do things for Him that are beyond our natural capabilities. While that may seem intimidating, God also assures us that He is with us to help us to do the work. Consider what David assured his son Solomon when God called Solomon to build a temple for Him. “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord” (1 Chron. 28:20).

In the same way, God encouraged Joshua when he was on the brink of leading God’s people into their promised land. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9). When you know God is with you, you can take on challenges that are bigger than you are. Take the courage today to move forward with God, because He is right there with you!