God With Us

Matthew 1:23 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).

Sometimes it is easy to forget that God is with us. We get caught up in the struggles of life and so trapped by the blindness of our heart that we forget one of the first promises found in scripture. In fact, if we were to do a study of all of scripture, one of the overriding components would be this idea that God is with us. Actually, let’s take it one step further and say that God is not only with us, but God is for us as well.

What does this mean then that God is with and for us? I believe that it stresses the unique relationship that God desires to have with His people. We are created in the image of God. As God was creating us, He chose the best there was to fashion us after, which was Himself. Think about that. God the creator, created us in the design of Himself. In essence and design, we are the image of the creator. We are created with His heart, His breath, His hands, His legs; all that He is, is in us. Yet we are not God. We are His creation.

The problem is that we have taken our eyes off the creator and placed them upon the creation. We look to ourselves for the answers when, in fact, the answers are only found in the one who created us. But therein is the good news, God declares that He is with us. Hey, He says, “Look up! I am here, all you need to do is seek me and I can be found.” “Come to me,” He says, “and I will give you rest.” God with us, the hope of Glory!

I love the song from Mercy Me, “God with Us.” I have included a link below if you want to listen, but here are the lyrics:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys4YgiZ392Y

Who are we--- that You would be mindful of us?

What do You see--- that's worth looking our way?

We are free--- in ways that we never should be.

Sweet release--- from the grip of these chains.

Like hinges straining from the weight,

My heart no longer can keep from singing.

All that is within me cries

For You alone be glorified:

Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song.

The debt is paid, these chains are gone.

Emmanuel, God with us.

Lord, You know--- our hearts don't deserve Your glory;

Still You show--- a love we cannot afford.

Like hinges straining from the weight,

My heart no longer can keep from singing.

All that is within me cries

For You alone be glorified:

Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song.

The debt is paid, these chains are gone.

Emmanuel, God with us.

Such a tiny offering

Compared to Calvary;

Nevertheless,

We lay it at Your feet.

Such a tiny offering

Compared to Calvary;

Nevertheless,

We lay this at Your feet.

All that is within me cries

For You alone be glorified:

Emmanuel, God with us.

My heart sings a brand new song.

My debt is paid, these chains are gone.

Emmanuel, God with us.

Blessings, Rip