God With Us

One of the alternative names for the Son of God is Immanuel (also spelled Emmanuel), which literally means “God With Us.” That name is mentioned three times in the Bible: twice in Isaiah and once in Matthew. Occasionally while street evangelizing, I have ministered salvation to men named Emmanuel. Most of them already knew what their name meant.

Many times I hear Christians pray for God to “be with us.” While this may sound holy and religious, it is unscriptural especially in a church service or prayer meeting. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Certainly we should ask God for guidance and to order our steps. But the Lord Himself will never depart from our lives unless we renounce our faith in Him.

There are numerous verses stating God will always be with us and never leave us...

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” 
- Deuteronomy 31:6

“And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” - Deuteronomy 31:8

“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.” - Joshua 1:5

“And David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.’” -1 Chronicles 28:20

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5

There is one example in Scripture when King Solomon prayed for God to “be with him” (1 Kings 8:57). But keep in mind that was under the Old Covenant. 2 Corinthians 6:16 says, “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” So if you’re a born-again Christian, there’s no need to pray for God to “be with you.” His Spirit already resides on the inside of you!

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” - 1 Corinthians 3:16

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