God Is with Us as Our Companion

~ by Margaret Fishback Powers

I have a friend who loves to take long walks with me.

We talk and laugh and enjoy each other’s company as we stroll along. The exercise is beneficial, and so is the conversation.

The Lord is a lot like my friend. He enjoys walking with us as our companion on life’s pathway. And He brings blessing into our lives when we walk closely with Him.

The awareness of God’s presence with us is encouraging and heartwarming. It is as if we were two friends seated beside a rippling brook, enjoying a gentle breeze on a warm spring afternoon. James 4:8 promises,

Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Even when we are surrounded by family and friends, some problems seem to double in size of their own accord. If we toss and turn in the early morning hours thinking about them, they become ten times as large. But remember, the Bible is full of encouragement. Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us to be “strong and courageous... for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Though it seems the whole world has gone wrong around us, we are not alone — God is with us!

Wherever we go, we cannot step outside the boundaries of God’s love and care. We can have fellowship “with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ” wherever we are (1 John 1:3).

All we need to do is trust in God’s loving companionship and walk the path He has placed before us.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. — Psalm 89:15

Who in your life comes to mind when you hear the word “companion”? How does your relationship with the Lord compare to that relationship?

What does companionship with God look like in your spiritual life? How is it a blessing?

Read and reflect on Psalm 139:9-10 How does the knowledge that God is always with you impact how you respond to painful circumstances or hard times?

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. — Isaiah 54:10

Excerpted with permission from Footprints by Margaret Fishback Powers, copyright Margaret Fishback Powers.

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Your Turn

Sometimes, we feel alone even in a crowd. Loneliness and hardship can make us feel like we’re unloved, but God will never ever leave us. He is always with us! We can turn our faces toward Him no matter what is going on and know that we are His beloved, and that He wants us to know His companionship. Come share your thoughts with us. We want to know how the presence of God in your life has helped and encouraged you! ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full