April 3, 1999, Saturday

Who is the best companion that anyone could have? Is there a

counselor that can you give you reassurance? What is the best

comfort that you could ever receive from your companion and

counselor?

Peter preached of the best Companion that anyone could have

and reminded his audience that He was always near us to help-

"For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow

Your Holy One to see corruption" (Acts 2:31). In apparent

death and defeat, the promises of God were held true to the

test, and Christ returned from Hades with the keys to death

and hell. He did not see corruption or defilement!

The Psalmist declared his faith in God's promise because God

was his Counselor who had confirmed His faithfulness to him-

"But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol; For He

will receive me. Selah" (Psa 49:15). God's counsel confirms

His promises to us and gives us the calm assurance and hope

that He will do what He says. The Psalmist was happy to think

and meditate on God's faithfulness as he prophesied about the

Messiah who would redeem our souls from the power of death!

The Psalmist marveled at the goodness of God. Many times he

was in the dark places of despair, but God delivered him and

he was comforted by the fact that even in Sheol he was not

alone--"For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, And You

have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol" (Psa 86:13).

If God chooses that we suffer in times and places of despair,

He will not leave us without the comfort and assurance that

He is there 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!