I Am with You Always

Step. Hop. Step. Hop. Step Hop.

This was the scene played out by me and this little Bluejay I encountered on the sidewalk the other day. He was the cutest thing, but his mama was not so friendly!

As she sat on a branch behind me, squawking, I was trying to think of a way to help her baby to safety. Apparently, this little one had fallen out of its nest because he still had down feathers along the sides of his body.

"I can't pick him up," I thought. "Then his mother will have nothing to do with him." I never knew if that was true or an old wives' tale. What I realized was that when I took a step, he hopped. I took another step. He hopped again. I was beginning to see a pattern. When I walked beside him, he had the confidence to move away from the sidewalk into a place of safety - the grass.

After I finished my walk, I realized Jesus desires to walk beside us. Now, I know He is no longer physically living on this earth, but His Holy Spirit lives within us when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit is what helps us identify right from wrong. He encourages us when we feel down. He helps to motivate us to remain positive and find joy in a dark world.

In John chapter 16, Jesus's disciples became discouraged when He informed them that He would soon head to the cross. As they tried to reason His death in their minds, He reminded them not to worry but instead become filled with hope.

In John 16:21, He said, “Therefore, you now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”

Your joy no one will take from you. I love this simple reminder!

Maybe this verse resonates with you today. Perhaps you have lost someone in your life who mentored you, walked alongside you. Gone are the days when you can pick up the phone and ask for their advice or shed tears of hopelessness while they listened and encouraged you. You were vulnerable with this person because of their loyalty and trustworthiness.

Even though this person is no longer living, their spirit dwells inside you. It's the same with Jesus. He is waiting on you to repent and believe in Him so He can give you access to His Spirit. Maybe you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but it's been a while since you've spoken.

Can I encourage you to pick up the phone and speak to your Heavenly Father today through prayer? Oh, how He longs to hear from His children like the parent of a prodigal son. He knows your hurt and feels your pain. He stands ready to fill your heart with joy and remind you that He is always with you.