Jesus Calling: February 18th, 2025

Jesus Calling: February 18

    I AM with you. These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair. Because you are human, you will always have ups and downs in your life experience. But the promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go. Sometimes you may feel as if you are in a free fall, when people or things you had counted on let you down. Yet as soon as you remember that I am with you, your perspective changes radically. Instead of bemoaning your circumstances, you can look to Me for help. You recall that not only am I with you, I am holding you by your right hand. I guide you with My counsel, and afterward, I will take you into Glory. This is exactly the perspective you need: the reassurance of My Presence, and the glorious hope of heaven. 

RELATED SCRIPTURE: 

Zephaniah 3:17 NLT

17 For the Lord your God is living among you.

    He is a mighty savior.

He will take delight in you with gladness.

    With his love, he will calm all your fears.

    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

*Or He will be silent in His love. Greek and Syriac versions read He will renew you with his love.

Additional insight regarding Zephaniah 3:17: Zephaniah points out that gladness results when we allow God to be with us. We do that by faithfully following him and obeying his commands. Then God rejoices over us with singing. If you want to be happy, draw close to the source of happiness by obeying God.

Psalm 73:23-26 NLT

23 Yet I still belong to you;

    you hold my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,

    leading me to a glorious destiny.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?

    I desire you more than anything on earth.

26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

    but God remains the strength of my heart;

    he is mine forever.

Additional insight regarding Psalm 73:23-25: Asaph declares his confidence in God's presence and guidance. From birth to death, God has us continually in his grip. But far more, we have hope in the resurrection. Though our courage and strength may fail, we know that one day we will be raised to life to serve him forever. God provides our security and our eternal life, so we must cling to him.