The presence and power of God are always around us—sometimes we just need the reminder.

Let me give an example.

Many of us say “goodbye” to someone when we part. A few years ago I learned that “goodbye” is from an old word “godbwye.” It’s a short form of “God be with you.”

People used to know this. So when they were parting ways with someone they would wish them well by saying the equivalent of “God be with you!” It’s a prayer that they wouldn’t be alone in their day, that God would be with them; and because of that, certainty and confidence were all the more.

Sounds way better than a simple “goodbye” doesn’t it?

In Exodus 33:14 Moses was feeling unsure leading the Hebrews through the wilderness. God reassured him by saying, “My Presence will go with you…”

Why not offer the same reminder for the ones you love? When parting ways say, “God be with you.”

I’ve started to do it in the mornings before my kids go to school. “Got your backpack? Lunch? Have a great day! God be with you!”

Use the forerunner to “goodbye” to assure someone they are not alone in their day; that God is with them; and because of that, certainty and confidence are all the more.

The presence and power of God are always around us—sometimes we just need the reminder.

“God be with you.”

By Matthew Ruttan

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—Bible quotes are from the New International Version.