“Thou art with me” is one of the best known phrases from one of the most quoted passages in the Bible – Psalm 23:4. The reason it’s so popular is it speaks to the need we all have for companionship. God made us social creatures (Genesis 2:18). He created people both male and female and instituted marriage to satisfy our need for human intimacy (Genesis 2:21-24). But we have an even greater interpersonal need that only God can fill because we were made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16 NIV). We all have an inner desire to know and experience God that cannot be ignored:

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God? (Psalm 42:1-2 NIV)

God’s activities throughout history prove His eagerness to be with His human creation:

• . . . the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9 NIV).
• The LORD appeared to Abram and said . . . (Genesis 12:7 NIV).
• God said to Moses – “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12 NIV).
• He said concerning the people of Israel – “. . . I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. “ (Exodus 29:45 NIV).
• He said to Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5 NIV).
• He offered to be with Jeroboam as He had been with David, if only he would obey Him (1 Kings 11:38).
• Through Isaiah God promised His Son (the Messiah) would be “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).
• The Apostle John said of Jesus – The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw his glory — the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father — and he was full of grace and truth. (John 1:14-15 NCV).
• Jesus promised the abiding presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in those who believe, love and obey Him (John 14:17,23).
• He promised the dying thief on the cross – “. . . today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
• And He has promised to return and take all believers bodily to be with Him in heaven (John 14:3).

When we consider the awesomeness of God, who and what He is, and who and what we are – we are compelled to say with King David: “. . . what are people that you should think about them, mere mortals that you should care for them?” (Psalm 8:4 NLT).

Many know the words but fewer the experience of “Thou art with me.” How about you? Companionship takes two. Now you know what God wants. He’s only waiting to be invited in: “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you.” (Revelation 3:20 The Message).

Jesus Knocking At The Door Of Our Hearts…Painting By William Holman Hunt