Being With God

Ruth

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

—Psalm 91:1

The mystery and beauty of God coming to us in Jesus is that He is God with us and for us. But He doesn’t come close to us to keep us as we are. He comes to us, calls us, and graciously changes us from the inside out. The God who is with us and for us asks us a difficult question: Are you with Me?

I first noticed this theme in the Old Testament book of Joshua. It’s a book that records Moses’ successor, Joshua, leading the Israelites into the land of promise. Just as they were entering the land, they came to Jericho—a city of familiar reputation that would soon fall when they marched around it seven times! But before they entered the city and took their first steps toward witnessing God’s promises fulfilled, God wanted them to think about where their loyalties were.

On his way to the city, Joshua encountered an unidentified man with his sword drawn—likely one of the angels of God’s armies. Joshua wanted to know, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” (Joshua 5:13). The commander of the Lord’s army gave a strange but important response. He simply said, “Neither” (v. 14).

You can imagine Joshua wondering, Neither? Not exactly the response he was expecting or hoping for. But with this response God wanted the Israelites to know this was His battle. God was going before them. He would be with them. The Lord wanted His people to know, as He still does today, that it is important we are with Him.

Do our attitudes, actions, and aspirations suggest we are really with God? Are our lives, with God’s help, continuing to be refined? He is the center. We serve Him. Because He loves us, He wants to be the One leading us.

Whatever you are facing today, know that God is with you. His love is secure and His compassion unending. He will never leave you or forsake you. Today begin asking yourself these challenging questions: Do I just want God to be with me and for me, doing what I ask? Or am I with God, willing to love and obey Him wherever He leads?

Lord, Your ways and will are good, pleasing, and perfect. I know You are with me. You have saved me through the work of Your Son, Jesus. But You desire that I am with You, loving and obeying You. Help me keep Your will at the center of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In what ways have you asked God to be with you instead of asking if you are with Him?

Why is it so important to regularly ask yourself this question?