This was King Davids’ prayer: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Ps 27:4; NKJV). In the Old Testament God assured His people, Israel, that he would never abandon them (Deut 31:6). He promised he would be with them and protect them as they passed through waters, rivers and fire (Isa 43:2). God promised David that He would be with him everywhere he could go, in the sea, heaven or hell, night or day (Ps 139:7-12). God is our shield (Ps 18:30b), our strength (Ps 73:26) and His love and peace will never leave us (Isa 54:10).

In the New Testament The apostle Matthew quoted from Isa 7:14, “Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (Matt 1:23; NKJV). “Immanuel” is another name for Jesus and the word means, “God with us.” In Hebrews 13:5 Deuteronomy 31:6 is quoted, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Therefore, that promise is still for us today. But as Christians we have an intimate relationship with God: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in” (Rev 3:20; NKJV). When we acknowledge our need for Jesus and open the door of our lives to Him, He comes to live in us as the Holy Spirit (Gal 2:20, 1 Cor 3:16) to give us an abundant new life (John 10:10) and fellowship with God (1 Cor 1:9). This is a gift of God’s grace that we receive by faith (Eph 2:8) and nothing can separate us from His love (Rom 8:38-39).