STAND FIRM: HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS! JEHOVAH SHAMMAH
Jehovah Shammah: The Lord is There
Life is full of moments where we feel alone, isolated, or overwhelmed by the circumstances we face. At times, we can’t help but wonder if anyone truly sees or understands what we are going through. Yet, there is one constant that transcends all these feelings: the truth that Jehovah Shammah, "The Lord is There," reigns. This name of God, found in Ezekiel 48:35, reminds us of God’s omnipresence—He is not bound by time or space. Whether we are on a mountaintop or in the darkest valley, we are never truly alone.
The Omnipresence of God
When we speak of Jehovah Shammah, we are acknowledging that God is not only the Lord of the past and the future, but also the Lord of every moment we live. He is here, there and everywhere! Psalm 139 beautifully captures this truth:
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7-10)
The reassurance we find in these verses is profound. No matter where we go—be it to the highest peaks or the lowest valleys—God is there. He is present in our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. When life takes unexpected turns or when we face crossroads, delays, detours, and setbacks, His presence remains constant.
God's Presence in Every Situation
Life takes us through various "locations," both literal and figurative. There are moments when we feel we are at the right place at the right time, but there are also moments where we feel completely lost—on the “backside of the desert,” like Moses in Exodus 3, far from everything familiar. Yet, even there, the Lord is present. The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush, not in a palace or a temple, but in the wilderness. It is a powerful reminder that God doesn’t just show up in the expected places; He is present even in the most desolate seasons of our lives.
We see the same pattern with Joseph, who experienced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before rising to a place of influence in Pharaoh’s palace (Genesis 39). In every stage of Joseph’s journey—whether in the pit, in Potiphar’s house, or in prison—the Lord was with him. God didn’t abandon Joseph in his lowest moments, and He will not abandon us in ours.
Even in the fiery furnace, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced what seemed like certain death (Daniel 3), they were not alone. A fourth figure, often understood to be a theophany, appeared with them in the flames, ensuring their safety. The flames consumed their captors, but they walked out unharmed. Again, Jehovah Shammah—The Lord is There.
God is Already in Our Tomorrows
As we navigate life, we often worry about what the future holds. Yet, we can find comfort in knowing that God is already in our tomorrows. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God’s omnipresence not only applies to our past and present but also to our future. He knows the plans He has for us. Whether we are facing uncertainty about a career decision, a health crisis, or the unknown challenges of life, we can trust that God has already gone ahead of us. He is preparing the way, and His plans are to give us hope, peace, and a future full of promise.
Seeing God in Every Moment
The challenge for us is not to question whether God is present, but to open our eyes and hearts to His presence. God is in every moment of every day, in every breath, and in every heartbeat. Sometimes, in the busyness of life or the intensity of our struggles, we lose sight of this. But the reality remains—Jehovah Shammah is there, waiting for us to recognize Him.
It requires a shift in perspective, a spiritual openness to see God in all things. As David prayed in Psalm 23, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." God is not only with us in the light, but also in the darkness, guiding and comforting us through every trial.
He Is Who He Says He Is
The beauty of knowing Jehovah Shammah is knowing that we are never abandoned. The Lord is not distant or detached; He is intimately involved in every detail of our lives. He is who He says He is—faithful, constant, and ever-present. In the moments of uncertainty, in the highs and the lows, the Lord is there. His omnipresence means that wherever we are, He is already there—working, comforting, guiding, and sustaining us.
Application Questions:
- Reflect on a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed. How does the truth of Jehovah Shammah change your perspective on that experience?
- In what areas of your life do you struggle to recognize God's presence? How can you cultivate a greater awareness of His nearness?
- Consider a situation in your life where the future feels uncertain. How does knowing that God is already in your tomorrows bring you peace and hope?
- What "location" do you find yourself in today—whether it be a place of success, struggle, or uncertainty? How can you rely on God's omnipresence to guide you through it?
- How can you make time each day to intentionally seek God's presence and recognize His work in both the mundane and extraordinary moments of your life?
In every season and every situation, Jehovah Shammah—The Lord is There—invites us to rest in His presence and trust in His unchanging nature.