The closeness of Jesus is a beautiful, heart-calming reality. And yet it’s the one thing we neglect to believe when times get rough. As He said in the Great Commission, Jesus is with us until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
What are you currently going through? Has a trial overtaken you? Did an unexpected event capsize your heart and cause you to despair of life? Have you been doubting the Lord because of the death of a loved one?
Whatever the occasion, the statement is true: Jesus is with you.
He is with you in moments of tragedy, when a loved one is (perceived to be) taken too soon. When you have no more tears to shed; when the crying only leads to more sobbing; when the confusion, pain, and heartache won’t cease—Jesus is with you.
He is with you in moments of frustration, when your work-balance is incredibly off kilter and you can’t fathom how to fix it. When your work flourishes, your family suffers. When your family thrives, your work goes downhill. When it seems as though the balance is impossible, Jesus is with you. Ask for help.
He is with you in the awkward moments, when you don’t know how to fit in. Perhaps you attend a church where many people aren’t your age. You find yourself having trouble fitting in to the right “group.” When things are uncomfortable and awkward, embrace it—for Jesus is with you. Learn to become friends with people not your age.
He is with you in periods of doubt, when you can’t muster up the courage to admit you are struggling to believe. Like the father in Mark 9:24 cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” We should not doubt the Lord, but our doubts, oftentimes, can drive us to clarity. Jesus is with you in your journey. Trust Him.
He is with you in prolonged seasons of depression, when life seems to bare its full weight on you for no apparent reason. When the fog doesn’t cease, when the darkness doesn’t relent, Jesus is with you to guide you by hand.
He is with you in moments of indecisiveness, when you can’t quite pull the trigger on an important task. It’s times like this when we must remember not to overthink and just pray to be in the Lord’s will and make a decision. When your mind is fickle, Jesus is with you.
He is with you when you’re diagnosed with terminal cancer, when your fleeting life has just flashed before your eyes, and you’re more aware now than ever how short life really is. It’s in this moment that Jesus is with you.
He is with you in the triumphs of life, when it seems like life can’t get any better. In these times, it’s easy to forget Jesus, but we must remember that Jesus is with us still to guide our hand in humility and reminds us to keep our eyes focused ultimately on the glory of God.
He is with you when life couldn’t get worse—then it does. You’re late for work then your car breaks down; later, your child gets sick; and your marriage is already on the rocks so you still have that to mend. It’s in the moments when everything piles up quickly and you freeze—Jesus is with you and cares for you.
No matter what you go through—no how easy or difficult—Jesus will be with you through it all. You need not worry if Jesus will leave you hanging, shun you, or look the other way as you suffer. As your friend, Savior, and Lord, Jesus will always be right by your side.
In the spirit of Christmas, the Incarnation was God’s way of telling us, “I am with you.”
Merry Christmas to all of you who read my blog. I appreciate you very much.
Blake Long 
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