We kept repeating the Bible Points to the kids every night at VBS, the important points that Daniel and his friends learned in captivity in Babylon– the things that made them strong. I would start the line and all the little voices would chime right in there, raggedly unison and enthusiastic…When things change, God is with you….When you need help, God is with you.  I kept thinking that it was good for the adults to repeat it too, and remember the basics all over again…When you are afraid, God is with you….When you are lonely, God is with you.  Funny how we never grow out of that truth.

Today I read in my devotional book about how the Israelites stepped out of their tents every morning not knowing where they were headed, looking to the pillar of cloud to see if they were moving or staying, and willing to follow where it led. It would be comforting to have such a visible presence lingering over your house, a reminder that God was with you in every situation, and providing concrete direction as needed. As quickly as the thought entered my head, the knowledge was also there, that God-With-Us, Emmanuel, is more intimately present than any pillar of cloud and fire, and that we are uniquely blessed to be following Him now. When things change, God is with you. When you need help, God is with you. Remember this.

And I still don’t know what the day holds when I get out of bed, but I turn my eyes upward and ask the One who does know, and get ready to follow where He leads. Sometimes obvious paths, like the laundry waiting to be done and the dishes in the sink, the questions that need answered and the appointments met.  When I need help, God is there. Sometimes unexpected interruptions that turn out to be what the day is all about, when it is over. When things change, God is there. Sometimes waiting and praying and being who He wants me to be is work enough for one day. When I am lonely, God is there. Always reasons to be thankful and grace flowing from unexpected places. When I am thankful, God is there.

“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'”  (Hebrews 13:5)  Important point for Daniel in ancient Babylon, thousands of years ago; important point for kids last week in VBS; important point for me this day.