Come With Me!

How many times have I uttered those words, when I faced some task or another?  "Come with me...."

If I have to do something scary or unpleasant, I am always looking for the comfort and support of another person.  If there is potential for something to go badly, or for me to be embarrassed, I want the presence of another person!  I feel braver with a cohort, less intimidated, stronger...

I am actually quite timid when by myself (stop laughing, it's true!), but if I have just one friend along, watch out!  I'll do almost anything!  I don't need the whole world to have my back, just one person is enough for me.

I was reading in my Bible today about Joseph, as in the Joseph whose brothers sold him into slavery.  The Joseph who was wrongly condemned to prison for over a decade.  That Joseph.  Many times during that story it says, "The Lord was WITH Joseph." It doesn't just say that the Lord knew about what Joseph was going through, it says that He was WITH Joseph.

Big difference in my mind.

The difference between someone who knows that you have to face a difficult event and gives you guidance and advice, and the one who says "I'll go with you, so you won't be alone!"

Then I got to thinking, "Hey, this wasn't just a God/Joseph thing!"

God told Joshua, "Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6) and "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." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

And then our memory verse for the week...."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1-3)

So, it was true for Joseph, it was true for Joshua, it is true for me!  God doesn't just know ABOUT the things I'm going through, he is WITH me in it...always.  I think I'm going to start calling Him the God Who Is With Me!