Rather than rely on our feelings, recall God’s promises to mind

Understanding the tenses

Past tense is used to describe things that have already happened. For example, “I was walking outside in the cold yesterday.” Future tense is used describe things that have not yet happened. For example, “Next year, I’m going to attend college.” Present tense is used to describe things that are currently happening, right now, or things that are continuously happening.

Bible verses about God being with us

Perhaps today you’re feeling as though you’re all alone. Loneliness affects each one of us at some point or another, even when we’re surrounded by other people. It’s encouraging to remember that though we may feel alone, or may actually appear to be physically alone, God promises that He is with us right now. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:” (Isaiah 41:10). Jesus Himself promises “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20).

As if God’s promises aren’t enough, prayer is a powerful way of reassuring us that we are not alone. God promises that when we pray according to His will, “he heareth us:” (1 John 5:14). God doesn’t just promise to be with us in the future; He states matter of fact that He is with us right now! He promises that He hears us when we pray! We are not alone.

What to do when we’re feeling lost

Besides feeling lonely, in our present circumstances it’s very easy to feel lost, or to feel as though life is on hold until things get better. Jesus tells us in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life:”. He is also the Word, so if we’re not spending time daily in His Word to know His way, it should come as no surprise that we’re feeling lost.

What to do when circumstances leave us feeling uncertain about the future

Not only do our present circumstances sometimes make us feel lost, our circumstances and world events can also leave us feeling uncertain about the future. To this, God says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 1:8, 21:6). Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. God is not only the first and the last; He’s all the letters in between too (yes, including Delta and Omicron).

“God is not surprised by what’s going on all around us;”

Hope Reflected

The point is, God is not surprised by what’s going on all around us; there is no event to which He responds, “Oh boy, I didn’t know that was going to happen.” When we’re feeling uncertain and fretting about the future, we ought to fix our thoughts on the One who holds the future. When we’re feeling like there’s more to life, and we’re just not satisfied, there’s a good chance we’ve forgotten what Jesus says: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35).

Our spirits will never truly be satisfied until we know Jesus as our Saviour. Like bread is to our physical body, Christ is to our soul; we need Him to truly live.

Originally published as “Present-tense promises” Independent Plus. February 3, 2022: 5. Print. Web.