Jehovah-shammah

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:19–20 esv

Sometimes we might look at the tragedies of our world and wonder, “If there is a God, where is he today?” How can children be killed and no one held accountable? Why does he allow natural disasters? Why do so many people suffer from poverty and disease? A world so full of suffering can make us question the nature of a “good” God.

The Bible teaches that suffering exists because we live in a fallen world. The book of Job is one of the clearest examples of suffering of the innocent. Job was a rich man with a large family. The first verse describes him as “blameless” and “upright” (Job 1:1). Through a series of events, God allowed Satan to take everything from Job, including his health. Job went through all the religious traditions of mourning. His friends even joined him, appearing to offer help and counsel, but in reality simply assigning blame to Job. Eventually, Job demanded an audience with God to get an explanation for what he was enduring. In the middle of Job’s friends giving speeches and advice, God interrupted.

God answered Job by showing up! That is all. God offered no explanation about Job’s tragedies. God simply stated the facts of his character, his ability, and his deeds since the beginning of time. Job quickly realized he was out of his depth. Listening to God reminded Job that even though he could not see God, the Lord of heaven was there. Through all the losses, through the vexing counsel of Job’s friends, and all the way through Job’s restoration, God is Jehovah-Shammah—“The Lord My Companion.”

The God who was there for Job is the same God who is always with us.

God, who is everywhere, never leaves us. Yet he seems sometimes to be present, sometimes to be absent. If we do not know him well, we do not realize that he may be more present to us when he is absent than when he is present.

Thomas Merton

The Lord watches over us every moment of every day. He is there—and he cares—about every step and every breath.

Dillon Burroughs

For Further Reflection

Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 46:1; Exodus 33:14

Today’s Prayer

Father, please help me to remember that you are always with me. Even when I don’t “feel” your presence, please help me to remember the promises in your Word. Thank you that you will never leave me. Amen.