Picture a little girl who needed to get something from a dark and creepy basement. She asks someone, "Will you come with me?" Why do you think she asked that? When we're feeling scared, anxious, or facing something unfamiliar, it's comforting to have someone by our side.

El Roi, the God Who Sees, knows how tough it can be to face things alone, especially when we're feeling scared or sorrowful. El Roi witnessed the plight of the Hebrew people in Egypt. He saw their suffering as slaves and how Pharaoh mistreated them. God understood their anguish. He delivered them from Egypt and promised them a new land. There were two routes to reach this Promised Land. One path led through the territory of the Philistines, known for their formidable warriors and hostility towards the Hebrews.

The other route was through the wilderness—a place fraught with its own dangers, such as wild animals and venomous snakes, and lacking certain essentials resource like water and food. God didn't ridicule the Hebrews for their fear. He didn't grow angry with them. Instead, He understood their vulnerability and apprehension.

Do you think God simply said, "I got you out of Egypt. I'll catch up with you in the Promised Land"? No, He did not. He didn’t abandon them because He is Jehovah-Shammah, the LORD Is There. God is never distant; He is always present with His people, no matter where they are. God guided the Hebrews through the wilderness, away from the Philistines, and stayed with them day and night. His presence was constant.

As it is written, “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people” (Exodus 13:21-22).

God didn’t just tell the Hebrews He was with them; He demonstrated it through the cloud and fire. He knew their weakness and provided visible proof of His presence. Later, when He brought them into the Promised Land, He reaffirmed His promise: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

If you belong to God, He is with you wherever you are. Even when you feel alone, whether in darkness or new surroundings, God is with you. He is with you in your sadness and joy. He does not abandon you in your mistakes; instead, He guides you toward what is right. Jehovah-Shammah is always with His people. There is no place you can go where He is not present. Even Jonah tried to escape from God, but he couldn’t! God’s presence is everywhere, for He loves His people deeply.

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:7-10).

Thank You, God, for being Yahweh-Shammah, the God Who Is There. Thank You for Your unwavering presence, never leaving us, no matter where we are, what time it is, or the reasons we might think we’re alone. You are good, and Your faithfulness is steadfast. Help me to place my trust in You and to love You more deeply.