I learned an important lesson many years ago when our oldest son, Jeremy, was in elementary school. The school had planned a special program, and since he had to be there early, Jeremy rode with our neighbors and their daughter.
My husband and I arrived a little later and took seats near the middle of the auditorium. Soon the children filed onto the stage. That’s when I noticed our son’s head turning back and forth as if he were at a tennis tournament. I knew he was looking for us.
His face lit up when he finally spotted us, and then he never looked our way again throughout the program. But I realized something: He might not ever say so, but it was important to him that we were there.
I thought of that this morning as I attended my little granddaughter’s end-of-school award ceremony. I’m on a tight deadline to finish a book, I had an article to write, a conference call for which I needed to prepare, and numerous other tasks that all had to be done by the end of the week, so I didn’t really have time to give up half a day.
But I knew it was important to be there.
The same is true in our lives. No matter what we go through—serious illness, financial difficulties, loneliness, a prodigal child or broken dreams—simply knowing that God is there with us can make all the difference. And He promises us in His Word that we can count on that:
1) Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
2) Deuteronomy 31:8
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
3) Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I’m so grateful for a God who understands how important it is for Him to always be there for us whenever we need or want Him. Aren’t you?
