The One Thing We Know in Uncertain Times

But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the LORD. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the LORD Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ – Haggai 2:4,5

When you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can be certain of one thing in any time of trouble, suffering, hardship, difficulty, pain or tragedy: the Lord is with you! Time and again in his Word, he assures you of his presence:

• “The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you” (2 Chronicles 15:2).
• “Stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you . . . Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
• “Do not be afraid of him, declares the LORD, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands” (Jeremiah 42:11).
• “Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the LORD, “and work. For I am with you” (Haggai 2:4).

Jesus said the same thing to his disciples: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

The apostle Paul considered this truth and asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Don’t answer his question too quickly. The truth is, many people can rise up against us. They can cheat us, harass us, persecute us, insult us, mock us and even physically injure us. But here’s the point: in the end, they cannot win.

That is why Jesus said, “You will be betrayed . . . and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish” (Luke 21:16 – 18). If you belong to God, he gives you the eternal victory. Period. No one can take away what he has so freely provided for you.

When rough times come, immerse yourself in God’s Word. Read his promises to you, his beloved child. Read about his power, his strength, his wisdom and his love. Read how he has helped countless men and women through the ages as they trusted in him. Read about his saving, delivering and restoring power.

The more you read and study God’s Word, the stronger your faith will grow.

The more you trust God, the more you will grow in your understanding that he is trustworthy in all things, at all times.

The more you take courage in the Lord’s presence with you, the more secure you will feel — even in the most troubling of times and the most trying of circumstances. The Lord alone is your security, every moment of your life.

Article drawn from The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, 2nd Edition, NIV