I Choose Today to Remember Who Is With Me

Immanuel means God with us.

That is the name used to describe Jesus.

So if we believe in Jesus, He is with us—truly with us.

And yet… how often do we forget that?

Take the disciples, for example.

In Mark 4, Jesus and His disciples were crossing to “the other side” of the sea. Jesus was in the boat with them, asleep on a cushion. Suddenly, a fierce storm arose, and the waves began crashing into the boat, filling it with water.

These men were experienced fishermen. Storms weren’t unfamiliar to them.
But fear took over.

They woke Jesus and accused Him of not caring that they were about to perish.

Jesus stood, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace. Be still.”

Immediately, the storm stopped.

Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The disciples looked at one another in awe and asked, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

You see, they forgot who was with them, Immanuel, God with us.

The winds and waves obey Jesus because He is their Creator. All of creation responds to His authority. But when storms rise and fear sets in, we often forget that truth.

I know I do.

One thing I have a fear of is flying. I still fly, but with a lot of anxiety. I check the weather beforehand. I ask my daughter (who is a pilot) if the winds and storms are passable. I pray before the flight and during it. And when turbulence hits, my anxiety rises exponentially.

After spending time reading and meditating on this passage in Mark, I realized something:
I often forget who made the winds that are holding the aircraft in the air.

Recently, I flew halfway across the country again. This time, I prayed beforehand—not just asking for safety, but thanking God for being present with me. I placed my faith in the truth that He would get me where I was going, regardless of the bumps along the way.

And you know what happened?

I had peace the entire flight.

Even while flying over the Rocky Mountains.

So the next time I find myself anxious or afraid, I want to remember who is with me, Immanuel.

It may not be perfect at first. But the more I practice trusting Him, the more faith will become my natural response.

Today’s Step:
When fear or anxiety surfaces today, pause and quietly say, “Immanuel—God, You are with me.”

Take one deep breath and choose to trust His presence before asking Him to change your circumstances.

“Lord,
Thank You for being with me, always.
Help me remember who You are when fear rises and circumstances feel overwhelming.
Teach me to trust Your presence, not just ask for relief.
I choose today to rest in You.
Amen.”