Jesus Is With Us, Especially in Our Darkest Moments

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23)

Jesus came into our world at one of the darkest moments in Israel's history. This account is often brought to people's attention today, since so many take for granted how God's grace has transformed the otherwise fallen world.

The Israelites were not just suffering under Roman Rule, but an Edomite--a non-Jew--was ruling Judea as a puppet king. How bad can it get?

Add to that the widespread poverty and oppression against Israelites, and the fact that the one-time glory of the Temple and David's kingdom had dissipated. The House of David had fallen into such low estate, that Joseph and Mary only offered doves for the dedication sacrifice of their Son Jesus (Luke 2:24)

Yet in the midst of such poverty, sorry, and oppression, Jesus the Light of the World was born (John 8:12).

God with us answers every need and overcomes every obstacle! There can be no greater joy for us than to know that He is with us!

Consider the initial sad state of Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob, betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery:

"1And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. 2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian." (Genesis 39:1-2)

Notice that God is with Joseph, and He prospered because God was with him. On the outside, he could not have found himself in a worse situation, similar dire straits like Israel under Roman rule. Yet Joseph was favored and prospered.

Look at what David sings in Psalm 23:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

What could be worse, or more dark a place, than in a valley, in a shadow in the valley, and the shadow is cast upon us by death? Yet even in that darkest of moments, David knows that the LORD is with him!

No matter how dark or bleak your situation or circumstance may be, focus on Jesus, know that He is with, and therefore nothing can stand against you or overcome you (Romans 8:28, 37)