Is God with us?

With all of the uncertainty in the world today, more and more people seem to be asking this question:  "Is God still with us?" One man even suggested to me the other day that God had departed for good and left us to to suffer until Jesus returns.  The stock market is all over the place, there is oil in the gulf, hurricanes seem to be more abundant and stronger then ever, in the past year there have been numerous major earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters on our planet.  There is major famine in Africa right now that threatens to kill millions in the coming year if rain or aid does not arrive soon.  The world seems to unofficially be at war, with seemingly, every country involved against another in some way.  So I can see why some might think God is no longer with us, but I am certain He is.  My hope is not in the stock market, government, or myself.  My hope is in Christ, therefore despite all of the trouble in the world my hope remains.  Scripture has the final word, and it is abundantly clear that God has not left us and is indeed still present and active in our lives and world.
I read the following devotion yesterday that speaks to a similar point.  It comes from Faith’s Checkbook: A Daily Devotional by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.  It is short but powerful if you take the time to read it.

July 1
God With Us

“God shall be with you”
—Genesis 48:21

    Good old Jacob could no more be with Joseph, for his hour had come to die: but he left his son without anxiety, for he said with confidence, “God shall be with you.” When our dearest relations or our most helpful friends are called home by death, we must console ourselves with the reflection that the LORD is not departed from us but lives for us and abides with us forever.
    If God be with us, we are in ennobling company, even though we are poor and despised. If God be with us, we have all-sufficient strength, for nothing can be too hard for the LORD. If God be with us, we are always safe, for none can harm those who walk under His shadow. Oh, what a joy we have here! Not only is God with us, but He will be with us. With us as individuals; with us as families; with us as churches. Is not the very name of Jesus, Immanuel—God with us? Is not this the best of all, that God is with us? Let us be bravely diligent and joyously hopeful. Our cause must prosper, the truth must win, for the LORD is with those who are with Him. All this day may this sweet word be enjoyed by every believer who turns to “Faith’s Check Book.” No greater happiness is possible.