To me one of the greatest words in the Bible is the word, “always.”  I wonder how many times we can honestly use “always” to describe someone or something? The Britannica dictionary defines “always” to mean: at all times, on every occasion, in a way that does not change.  In our rapidly ever changing world where everything seems to be fluctuating, “always” is not a very relatable concept.

Yet, Jesus tells a group of fearful followers-just before He returns to His heavenly throne- to not worry about a thing because “I am with you always to the end of the age,” (Mt. 28:20).  What a promise, one that no one on earth could ever make. Yet, we can cling to the fact that Jesus promises to be with His beloved children, “at all times, on every occasion, in a way that does not change.”

Let that thought sink in. Right now wherever you may be reading this, take to heart that THE ONE who has “all authority over heaven and earth” (Mt. 28:18), is living in you and is all around you. Jesus promised His followers that once He took the throne next to His Father the Holy Spirit would come and make His home forever in the hearts of believers (John 14:23).

In this every changing world we live in-we desperately need to hold on to the fact that Jesus is “always” present in each of us. As I write this blog in Colorado He is in me and with me. When we get on a plane next week and take the grueling 16 hour flight He flies with us. “Always” means “always” and I thank God that He keeps every promise He makes sealed by Jesus’ perfect blood.

I don’t know about you but this word, “always” is precious to me and it is important for me to remind myself of this promise found throughout scripture. Our spiritual journey is not always easy and sometimes it may feel as if we spend more time walking through the “the valley of the shadow of death” than we do feasting at the banqueting table. But even in the valley we have the promise of a Good Shepherd who walks with us and more often than not carries us through, protecting us from all evil, so we do not need to fear today or what the future may hold.

When experiencing a valley it can seem at times we are all alone and the Shepherd so far away. And often it is during these moments that the crafty serpent comes and seeks to fill our heads with dark lies to destroy our spirits. This is when we need to shout out the word “Always!” and claim this powerful promise. We are never alone!  The King is in us and all around us we have nothing to fear.

The other night Patty and I were having dinner and I saw a few rain drops on the back porch. I glanced at the dark sky and right in the midst of it all was this brilliant double rainbow. What a gift! Rainbows have often appeared as a sign at different seasons in our lives. Once again we claimed God’s presence, which is always with us even we we feel alone. As we saw this double rainbow, we both broke out in song being reminded of the “always” promise.

This Sunday is  the glorious celebration of Pentecost! This day shouts out the reminder of the powerful coming of the Holy Spirit who constantly testifies to our spirits that Jesus is “always” with us.  I pray that today and every day you know and are reminded of the “always” promise.