When the children of Israel fled from Egypt, God was with them.

Because God is spirit, He manifested Himself in visible things, like a cloud or a jet of fire, so the people could see that He was truly there with them. When they feared they would die for lack of food, when they gathered their gold to build a calf-god to worship, when they shook in fear at the stories of giants dwelling in the Promised Land, God’s cloud and fire were there.

God’s presence was visible each time they moaned and complained. In spite of their feelings, God never departed. In spite of their blindness, He remained right in front of them.

Later on in Israel, God manifested Himself in a more tangible way. He came as Jesus, Immanuel, “God with us.”

He was not simply visible at a distance, but walking, talking, and eating beside us. Yet His closest friends still feared, complained, argued, and sinned right in front of Him.

Though 2000 years have passed since Jesus walked the earth, to those who love Him, He is closer than ever as a Counselor, whispering to our consciences, comforting us in our sadness, replacing fear with peace, prompting praise, reminding us to thank, giving wisdom, helping us love. Next time you stumble, remind yourself that God is with us. God is with you.