How is He for me?

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things?If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Romans 8:31

In the verses leading up to Romans 8:21 you read about God's plan and promise to those who seek Him, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28) and "those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified" (Romans 8:29). With these promises, it becomes apparent that if He can be for you, then who can be against you? It does not matter what or who in the world may be against you, even yourself, because He is in favor of you, He chooses you, and He desires you.

"For" is defined as: use as a function word to indicate purpose; use as a function word to indicate an intended goal; use as a function word to indicate the object or recipient of a perception, desire, or activity; use as a function word to indicate suitability; on behalf of; in favor of.

Each of the words underlined above are reasons that He is for you. He is your purpose; and you are His. He is your intended goal; and you are His. He is your perception, desire, activity; and you are His. He is suitable for you; and you are suitable for Him. He works on behalf of you; and you work on behalf for Him. He is in favor of you; and you are in favor of Him.

It is you that separates yourself from Him, it is depression and anxiety that may keep you from Him.

Scripture:

Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

1Peter 5:10 "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

Isaiah 43:1 "But now, this is what the Lord says-- ... "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

John 10:14-15 "I am the good shepard; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep."

Reflection:

How do you feel that God is for you? Does this change when you feel depressed or anxious?

How does mental illness keep you from knowing that God wants us?

What do you do in your life to seek Him when you feel: lost, afraid, lonely, worthless, helpless, hopeless, and anxious?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am present with You today because You are for me. You have shown through Your word that You are in favor of me, You seek me, You desire me, You have made me purposeful, and You have intention in me. I pray today that as this journey of life continues that I can be reminded of the truths that Your word offers, that when You are for me, who then can be against me? I ask in your favor that those experiencing the symptoms of depression and anxiety can find comfort in Your desire for them and that You are for them. I ask this in Your Son's name. Amen.