Last night our pastor asked the youth this simple question, “Who is Jesus to you?”

My simple answer yesterday was, “Everything!”  But this morning as I process through a gamut of emotions, I want to take a closer look into who He is to me at this very moment in my life.  At this crux of change, loss, and gain that I am about to walk through all in less than a months time.

As I leave my current workplace, the place where God has hidden me away in safety while growing and cultivating my talents over the past five years, Jesus becomes even more to me than ever before, my Hiding Place, my Fortress, my Rock.  You are a hiding-place for me, you will keep me from distress; you will surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7  CJB)

As I say good-bye to my coworkers who have been more than just friends, my relationship with Jesus becomes forefront.  For He is the only One who stays, the only One I don’t leave behind, the One who goes before me and shelters me round about.  But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24b  NKJV)  “For the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6b  NKJV)  For the angel of the Lord is a guard; He surrounds and defends all who fear Him. (Psalm 34:7  NLT)

As I enter a new phase of parenthood next week, watching my youngest son leave his childhood behind and take on the mantle of husband and head of his household, Jesus becomes my constant hope, my firm foundation, the lighting of this new path of loss, gain, and the unknown.  Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. (Psalms 119:105 NLT)

As I commence upon my first forage into being a Mom of a deployed service member, I hold back tears.  Because of elements beyond my control what was supposed to be a normal deployment has become hush and unknown.  So, Jesus becomes my firm foundation, the Rock upon which I stand.  Come what may, I know that He will keep me anchored within the veil.  Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. (Matthew 7:25 NLT)

While I’m replaced as the first woman in my middle son’s life, as I begin my new role of mother-in-law, whilst I trek through the unknown waters of a new job in a never before explored field, I can’t rely on myself.  I won’t be able to depend on my own understanding.  But there is One I will trust, depend on, and look up to, my Shepherd, Jesus Christ.  The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.  He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.  He renews my strength.  He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.  Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  You honor me by anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.  (Psalms 23 NLT)

So my question for you today is, “Who is Jesus to you?  How does He sustain you?  How are you relying on Him to get through each breath, step, decision, and emotion you walk through each day?  Who is He to you?  “But what about you?” He asked.  “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15 NIV)