The noise startled my twin daughters in the middle of the night. The steady wind outside was causing the welcome sign outside of their window rhythmically tap against the side of the house. After hearing their cries and whimpers, I walked into their rooms, embraced them in my arms and quietly told them that all is well. They wrapped their arms tightly around me and pulled themselves closer to me. Their cries grew silent and their breathing slowed to a steady calm. Everything was well, for the presence of their father calmed them. All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.” (Ezekiel 48:35). Ezekiel paints a picture of a city. Many commentators are in agreement that this city speaks of Jerusalem. Not the one currently in existence, but the New Jerusalem, the one that is yet to come. The one spoken of, described, and vividly portrayed in Revalation. It not only describes the wonder of God’s presence in that Holy city, but from Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there, we can derive from its meaning the one constant of hope for every Christian, God is with us. He will never leave or forsake you. We can take great comfort and find absolute assurance that God is in trouble. We are not alone, from the ends of the earth, through the most vehement storms, God is there. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. (Isaiah 43:2) What comfort that brings to know that He will be with us. He is Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there. Much like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the midst of a blazing fiery furnace, a fourth joined them. Much to the surprise and the chagrin of Nebuchadnezzar, who witnessed only three men thrown in the fire so hot that it scorched and slew the very men who casted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he witnessed those same three walking unharmed and unsigned in the company of their protector who is there. Jehovah-Shammah is our shelter in the time of trouble. We can find safety in the midst of life’s troubles in the shelter of His embrace. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1). Instead of facing the brunt of life’s wind, in the shelter of his grace we can find peace. When the clouds darken the sky, He is there. When the rain falls, He is there. When the thunder bellows on the seas of life, He is there. Seek shelter in the presence of Jehovah. Not only do we find in Psalm 46:1 that He is there to be our shelter, He is there to be our strength. The strength we need to endure what we face is not our own, but a divine strength, that only God can give. The same strength that spoke the created world into existence, divided a major sea into two, squeezed water from a rock, brought down the heavy stone walls of a fortified city, and shut the mouth of lions is present in the form of Jehovah. There is no need to fear, for Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah. There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. (Psalm 46:2-5) In the midst of all the chaos, in the midst of all the treachery, and in the midst of all instability, Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there. Be comforted, for God is in the midst of troubles to be our solace. The next time you are faced with an unknown or a circumstance that seems overwhelming, remember that you are not alone, but cling to Jehovah-Shammah.
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