February 24, 1999, Wednesday

Who is the Companion that will help you in the difficult

time of trouble? Who is the Counselor that can take away

all fears and anxiety that you have? Who is the Comforter

that can console and comfort you in pain and suffering?

Paul testified of his Companion that was always with him

in the most difficult times. His Friend would never leave-

"We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt,

but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are

never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we

are not destroyed" (2Cor 4:8-9). Jesus is our Companion

that will never leave us in affliction, in danger of our

well-being, or in times of judgement. His purpose will be

to convince us that His ways and will are perfect.

Isaiah prophesied about the future of the enemies of Israel

that challenged them. He predicted that their efforts would

be in vain, and they would be broken to pieces. It concerns

us, in time of trouble, to watch against all such fears as

those that God's enemies may threaten the believer. The fear

of God is a stronger power than whatever fear man may have-

"Take your counsel together, but it will come to nothing; go

make your threats, but it will not stand, for God is with us"

(Isa 8:10). God is our counselor and His counsel will stand.

No power on earth is stronger than His-- "There is no wisdom,

no understanding, no counsel, that can win against the LORD"

(Pro 21:30). His counsel is with us that fear Him.

Ezekiel prophesied of the purpose of God's judgement with

His own people. Even though the judgement was severe and

the suffering difficult, the end result would be comfort-

"They will console you, when you see their ways and their

deeds; and you will know that it wasn't without cause that

I did all that I have done, says the Lord God" (Eze 14:23).

Even though God makes a great desolation by His judgments,

He saves some to be monuments of His mercy. It is comfort

and our firm belief that we approve of all of the methods

of God's dealings with us.

Let us remember who is the God that is always with us. God's

Name is Jehová Shammah. He is the God that is our Companion.

His fellowship is our joy and confidence. He is our Counselor.

When we do not have an answer in difficult times, He gives us

the answer. Jehová Shammah is our Comforter. When we are

suffering, He comforts us with with His reassurance. He gives

more grace according to His promise. Lift your hands to Him

and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that

is always with us, our Immanuel!