God with us, or Immanuel, is a concept in Christianity derived from Isaiah 7:14 in which God is described as being with us and living among us. It relates to the incarnate Christ or the concept of the Great I AM.
Immanuel is mentioned in Matthew 1:23 and is the fulfillment of a prophecy made by Isaiah hundreds of years earlier that a virgin would give birth to a son and would name Him Immanuel — meaning “God with us”.
God with us points to the profound truth that when Christ came to earth as a man, God Himself was dwelling among us in the form of His Son. The Christian faith is based on the truth of Jesus Christ being at once both fully God and fully man.
He was and is “God with us” — God in the flesh. The Christian faith is the admission that the holy, omnipotent God has left Heaven and come to dwell with us. That he has come to redeem us, to rescue us and to restore our relationship with Him.
In Jesus we see a God who is with us, and in Him we see God’s greatness, His mercy and everlasting love.
How do you know God is with you?
One of the most obvious is through prayer. When we turn to Him and spend time together in prayer, we begin to see the answers to our prayers come forth in our lives in combination with our faith and obedience.
God is always present and ready to fill us with His Spirit, love, and guidance if we open our hearts to Him. Additionally, scripture and stories from other believers serve as a reminder that God is always with us.
Looking for God in all things – both the painful and the joyous – is an essential part of seeing His presence in our lives. For instance, finding beauty in nature, seeing how the sun comes up each morning, feeling loved by family and friends – all these things are evidence of His presence and His willingness to be with us.
Finally, our own experience in overcoming struggles or hardships can prove just how near God is to our hearts. Looking back, we can recognize His hand in all things and that He was there with us all along, guiding us and providing us with love and strength.
All of these things, either tangible or intangible, remind us that God is indeed with us.
How does God talk to us?
God speaks to us in many ways. The primary means God uses to communicate with us is through His Word, the Bible. Scripture communicates God’s promises, warnings, and instructions to us and helps us to grow in our faith.
In addition to the Bible, God speaks to us through prayer and meditation on His Word, prophetic ministry, prophetic dreams and visions, and words of wisdom. As we spend time with Him in prayer, we can hear God’s voice giving us direction and peace.
God also speaks to us in miraculous ways, such as through healings, signs, and miracles. God speaks to us through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as prophecy and words of knowledge. When we lived in a relationship with Him, we are able to discern God’s voice from all the other voices in the world.
God is always speaking to us, whether we acknowledge it or not. We must take time to be still and listen for His still, small voice.
What does God’s voice sound like?
The Bible doesn’t give us any information on what God’s voice actually sounds like, so what it sounds like is a matter of opinion. Most people likely would imagine God’s voice to sound like something calming and reassuring.
It is also likely they would imagine it to sound powerful and authoritative. While this is only an assumption, it is understandable that people would imagine the voice of an all-powerful deity to sound majestic and awe-inspiring.
When we look into the Bible, we are given descriptions of when God speaks that are often associated with light, natural phenomena and sometimes even emotions. For example, when God sends Moses to Egypt he speaks with a “voice of thunder” (Exodus 19:19).
In other parts of the Bible, such as in Psalm 29, God’s voice is described as being “majestic” and as “breaking the cedars” of Lebanon (Psalm 29:5).
In addition to these descriptions of God’s voice, we can also read about times when God speaks in a gentle, soothing manner. When God appeared to Elijah in the cave, he “passed by” and his voice was “like a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as speaking with “words of gentleness” to the disciples (John 14:27).
In conclusion, while it is impossible to know exactly what God’s voice sounds like, we can get a sense of how He speaks based on Biblical descriptions. It is likely that His voice is both majestic and powerful, as well as being gentle and comforting.
Do you cry when you feel the Holy Spirit?
No, it is not necessary to cry when you feel the Holy Spirit. Everyone’s experience of the Holy Spirit is different and it may manifest itself differently in each person. The feelings and expressions that come with experiencing the Holy Spirit will vary between individuals and crying is only one possible expression that someone might experience.
For some, the experience might bring about joy, peace, comfort, security, strength, or many other positive emotions that might not necessarily manifest in tears. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is a symbol of the presence of God and it is up to you to interpret, understand and experience its presence in your own way.
How can I hear from God directly?
Hearing from God directly is an exciting and enriching experience that many people strive for. You may find that it takes some effort and dedication to consistently cultivate a relationship with the divine that allows for direct conversations with the Lord.
The first step is to begin dialoguing with God in prayer. Start by setting aside a special time each day to pray and simply talk to God. In this time, you can share your burdens, ask for guidance, and simply express your love to Him.
As you spend time in dialogue, you will likely find that the Lord blesses you with insights, answers, and words of encouragement or direction.
Another way to hear from God is to read His Word. The Bible is a faithful and true source of the Lord’s voice, and provides insight and guidance into His will and plans. With each meaningful verse you read, you may begin to recognize a nudge in your gut, prompting you to respond and live out a Scripture in a certain way.
In addition to prayer and the Bible, you can also practice being mindful and still throughout your day, allowing yourself to truly hear the voice of God in every moment. Take time to meditate, reflect, and listen to the Holy Spirit to understand which decisions God wants you to make.
Finally, make an effort to nurture connection with community and nature. Spend time with community members who can speak life and wisdom into your soul, as well as meditate on the beauty of the world God created.
All these practices will aid in helping you to open yourself up to the Lord and His teachings in order to directly hear from Him.
How did God communicate himself to us most fully and finally?
God communicated Himself to us most fully and finally through Jesus Christ. Through the incarnation of Jesus, God shared with us His love, grace, and mercy. He showed us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the way of salvation.
Through Jesus, God revealed to us the truth of His Word and the path to redemption. By embracing the life, teachings, and death of Jesus, we have the assurance of God’s presence with us now, and forevermore.
Jesus is the ultimate example of God’s communication, and by understanding His message, we can have a deeper understanding of God and His will.
How do you know the voice of God?
Experiencing the voice of God is an individual journey that can vary greatly from one person to the next. Generally, however, people will become more aware of the voice of God the more they deepen their spiritual practice through daily prayer, Bible study, solitude, and reflection.
Scripture is one way to hear the voice of God. Bible stories are filled with examples of how God has spoken to His people through messages, visions, and dreams in the Bible. Of course, it is important to read Scripture with discernment and discern what is actually coming from God and what comes from our own minds and emotions.
It can also be helpful to pray and ask God to help you to hear the voice of Him more clearly. Listening prayer—where you actively listen for God’s leading—can be especially effective. Pay attention to how your body responds as you read a passage of scripture or listen to a sermon or song.
Sit quietly, attune yourself to what your spirit is feeling, be still, and ask God to direct your thoughts and emotions as you create a space for Him to speak to you.
Keep in mind that that the voice of God often sounds nothing like what we expect. It can be a hunch, a whisper, a gut-feeling, a sign, a thought, or a profound realization. When we tap into the stillness and our true spiritual nature, we can melt into the voice of divine guidance without any effort.
The voice of God is meant to guide us on our journey, so whatever form it takes, it should be seen and heard with open arms and an open heart.
How do I receive messages from God?
The primary way to receive messages from God is through prayer. Hosting a regular time for prayer helps form a consistent connection to God which allows His messages to come through more clearly. Meditating on Scripture is another great way to receive messages from God, as it can provide clarity and direction for life decisions.
Making a practice of being still and listening to God’s voice through prayer and meditation is key to hearing what He has to say. Additionally, taking note of the things around you such as your dreams, conversations around you, or opportunities that come your way could also be ways in which God is trying to communicate with you.
Keeping a journal where you document these experiences can help bring clarity to what you might be hearing. Additionally, it can help establish a more consistent knowledge of His voice as you look back on the times He has spoken.
Consulting a Christian counselor or spiritual advisor can also help discern God’s messages as they can offer supportive guidance to help hone your ability to hear from God.
How do I connect with God spiritually?
Connecting with God spiritually is all about developing a relationship with Him and deepening your understanding of and faith in Him. A relationship with God starts with prayer, which allows us to open up, express our concerns and be honest with ourselves and God.
This is a great way to start building a connection with Him and communicating with Him directly. Regular prayer is essential as it creates a bond with Him and strengthens our faith, enabling us to more readily hear His voice and direction in our lives.
At first, it’s natural to feel distant from God and His presence. Spending time in His Word and studying the Bible is one of the most effective ways to develop a personal connection with Him. Reading the Bible helps us to understand more about who God is and the path He has set out for us—this can bring about an incredibly intimate connection.
Listening to Christian music, worship songs, podcasts and other similar materials can supplement our time in the Word and provide us with a deeper connection to God. When we spend time in His Word, we can gain strength, guidance, peace and comfort.
One of the most important aspects of developing a spiritual connection with God is to pray and travel side-by-side with Him throughout the day. When we allow ourselves to pause, put down our phone and center our focus on Him, our spiritual connection with Him is strengthened.
As we pause throughout the day and acknowledge His presence, God can lead and guide us. We can also engage in conversation with Him by pouring out our thoughts, having praise and worship moments, and expressing our needs.
Through communicating with God, spending time in His Word, worshiping Him, and listening attentively to His leading, we can foster a lasting relationship with Him—one that will be of immense benefit and blessing in our lives.
What does God be with you mean?
The phrase “God be with you” is a wish of blessing, peace, and protection and is a common expression of parting used by people of various faiths. It is spiritually rooted in the Old and New Testament in the Bible.
In the Old Testament, there are various references to God blessing people and being with them, such as in Psalm 23:4, which says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” In the New Testament, Jesus offers his disciples a blessing of peace in Mathew 28:20: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” In this way, the phrase “God be with you” expresses an acknowledgement of the divine support and companionship that is available to everyone, regardless of one’s religious background.
This phrase can also signify a heart-felt plea for strength, comfort, and faith during times of difficulty or transition. By wishing “God be with you,” one is hoping that the other person will experience the presence and care of God in their life.
How do I let God be with me?
In order to let God be with you, it is important to draw near to Him. Prayer is a great way to do that and to start having a meaningful relationship with God. When we pray, we can open up to Him and express our thoughts and feelings, ask for direction and guidance, and thank Him for His blessings.
Additionally, spending time in His Word, studying the Bible and meditating on it is a powerful way to meditate and draw near to the Lord. Asking God to fill your heart and life with His presence and peace will also help to make you feel closer to Him.
Spending quality time in prayer and in the study of His Word will help to deepen your relationship with God and to strengthen your connection with Him.
What is God’s promise to be with you?
God’s promise to always be with us is found in several Bible passages. One of the clearest is Psalm 23:4, which says, “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.” This promises us that God walks with us through even the darkest and most difficult times, and we will never be alone.
Another example of this promise is in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This shows us that God promises to uphold and strengthen us, even when times get difficult.
Other examples of this promise that can be found in the Bible are Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, and Hebrews 13:5-6. This shows us that God’s promise to always be with us is repeated multiple times in Scripture, and serves as a reminder that we can always rely on Him for strength and assurance.
What is the benefit of God being with us?
When God is with us, it brings so many wonderful benefits. Having God in our lives means that He is always watching over us, providing us with comfort and peace, and serving as a source of strength and guidance.
His presence in our lives allows us to experience unconditional love and be shown the path of truth and hope. We can turn to God in times of confusion or distress, and His love and protection can help us to make sense of situations and find our way to Him.
With God in our lives, we are surrounded by a feeling of security and belonging, as He has promised that we will never be alone. He also grants us hope and healing in times of pain, and encourages us to press on in times of difficulty.
God’s companionship allows us to find joy and purpose in life, as we can rely on His faithfulness and trust in His plans. Finally, God reveals to us His eternal love, giving us insight into our purpose and destiny, and giving us the strength to pursue our goals and dreams.
In summary, the benefit of God being with us is immeasurable, and includes providing us with comfort, guidance, faith, and healing.
How do you let go and let God take control of your life?
Letting go and allowing God to take control of your life often requires a combination of trust and surrender.
Trust is an essential ingredient in any relationship with God. To confidently surrender control of your life to God, you must approach the concept with a sense of faith, believing that He has your best interest in mind and that He knows what’s best for you.
Surrendering to God takes time and practice. If there are areas of your life that you find difficult to surrender to God, take it one day at a time. Start by practicing prayer, meditation, and spending time in His Word.
As you spend more time in His presence, it will become easier to relinquish control to Him.
Another way to surrender to God is to be mindful of the decisions you make in life. Before making a choice, pause and ask God for His guidance and confirmation. Reflect on the situation and pause for a few moments to determine how God wants you to proceed.
Finally, take ownership of your actions and decisions. Acknowledge that it’s up to you to make decisions that reflect God’s will and lead you on the right path. Know that no matter what the outcome, He is in control and that He loves and forgives you unconditionally.