This world is becoming a more maddening place by the day.  I have heard more witnesses to tragedy over this past month- suicide, murder, drugs, broken homes, abuse, adultery, job loss, disease- so much pain.  And these aren’t stories I’m hearing on the news or about strangers on the street.  It’s all around me.  It’s happening to my people and to their people- it’s close to home.

And when I take a break from the sadness all around and retreat to the world of television and social media, it’s even worse.  Political wars, people beating each other down over trivial things, racial divides… Countries all over the world at war with one another, threats being made, bombs erupting, lives being taken every minute.  To say it’s all a bit discouraging is an understatement.  It can feel overwhelming and dark and hopeless.

BUT, there is hope.  You see, the same God who heard the groaning of His people in bondage in Egypt all those years ago in Old Testament times is still listening to His people.  As the Israelites struggled in slavery back then, God came down to rescue them.  He didn’t abandon them or leave them to their own devices.  And even as Moses, the one He called to be used specifically by God for a big purpose, hesitated and asked questions and tried to figure things out on his own, God patiently reminded him that He would be with him (Exodus 3:12).  And, more importantly, in Exodus 3:14, He reminded Moses of who He is.  I AM WHO I AM.

Read that again.  I AM WHO I AM.

Let that sink in.  You see, friends, those five short words mean everything.  He is who He is.  He has never changed, and never will change.  We can count on Him to the ends of the earth without fail.  Whatever it is you’re facing, whatever that mountain is that you’re trying to climb, whatever trial looms ahead, the great I AM has promised to be with you.  He is infinitely holy.  He is infinitely wise.  He is infinitely strong.  He is infinitely powerful.  He is infinitely mighty.  He is infinitely limitless.  He is infinitely victorious.  He is without beginning and without end.  Nothing that has happened or is happening or will happen catches Him by surprise.  He knows- and in all of these things He is continuously looking out for His people.

I don’t know about you, but there is something amazingly comforting in knowing that the great I AM is on my side.  When peace seems to evade me, I can always find solace in my God.  He alone is holy.  He alone is able.  He alone is worthy. Let’s rest in that today and give Him the praise for the victory He’s already won.

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt himl  The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name.  -Exodus 15:2-3

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters an dlike loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!”  -Revelation 19:6-7