A Birthday Card From Your Creator (A 7-Day Devotional) နမူနာ

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! (GOD IS WITH YOU ALWAYS)

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:20b (NLT)

The last thing Jesus says to His disciples is this: I am with you always.

As you are reflecting on your birthday this year and looking to the year ahead…

As you are considering how you want to share your gifts…

As you contemplate where you have room to grow…

As you look to pursue His plans and your purpose know this:

You are not alone.

Life can be daunting. But there is great peace and comfort in knowing God is with us always… through life’s ups and downs, for the fun birthday parties and the lonely days, when we are coming in first place and when we are barely dragging ourselves across the finish line.

Honestly, it’s been that way since the beginning. God has always wanted to be with us. He originally dwelt with Adam and Eve in the garden. When Jesus came to the earth in human form, He was called Emmanuel (which means “God with us”). Even after Jesus’ death and resurrection, when He ascended to heaven, the triune God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us…

But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take My place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. I give you peace, the kind of peace only I can give. It isn't like the peace this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid. - John 14:26-27 (CEV)

God gives us this Helper for some very specific reasons… to teach us just as Jesus did (and remind us of what we have already been taught), to give us peace, and to empower us. That means as we come to Him this year with a willingness to share our gifts, grow, and find our purpose—the Holy Spirit will come alongside to guide and equip us.

So, as you look to the year ahead, don’t be worried or afraid. You have a great companion and advisor on the adventure that lies before you. You are not alone.

Reflect, Pray, and Celebrate Your Birthday!

While we can know in our heads that God is always with us, it can sometimes be hard to feel his presence. Today, take a moment to find a space where you can sense his nearness.

Step away from life’s distractions, close your eyes, and envision a place where you can be alone with God. You might imagine yourself hanging out in heaven or on the pew of a beautiful little chapel here on Earth. Maybe you will sit together on a quiet park bench or side-by-side on surfboards looking out on the ocean.

In this quiet space, speak freely with God (and take a few minutes to listen, too). Whenever you are feeling alone, go back to this place in your mind where you can meet with God and be reminded that He is with you always.