At 77 years old, Yaakov was running from his brother. His mother had told him to go to his brother Lavan's house, more than 650 km from there, for a time; so he could go back when Esav’s fury had calmed down. Yitzchak had also told him to go there to marry one of the daughters of Lavan.

Yaakov was alone, travelling abroad for the first time in his life. He didn't know what to expect or for how long he would have to be away from home. His future was uncertain. In that moment, the Eternal revealed himself to him in a wonderful prophetic dream saying that he was with him wherever he would go. He knew what was awaiting Yaakov and that is why He gave him this revelation so his courage wouldn't fail in the moments of deep crisis that he would have to go through during the twenty years he would have to be in Charan.  

One of the most powerful blessings that you can receive is when the Eternal tells you that He is with you. His presence in your life is more important than anything else. If he is with you, you have the source of everything on your side. You only have to consult with Him to know what to do at all time. If the Almighty is with you, who could be against you?

This fact doesn't mean that Yaakov didn't have to go through problems - on the contrary. He needed this revelation precisely because he had to go through tremendous and very difficult situations. In moments of great darkness, Yaakov had to remember the promise that the Eternal had given Him. If He had told him that He would keep him wherever he went, and that He would bring him back to the land that He had given him and his offspring, who would be like the dust of the earth, then He had to help him in difficult times. This promise helped him not to dismay when he was deceived so badly by his uncle.

When the Eternal is with you, you might not be delivered from difficulties, but you will find a way out of them. When the Eternal is with you, you might not have everything under control but He does, and He will eventually change situations and move them around so that His eternal purposes are fulfilled. When the Eternal is with you, you won't do as you please, but you will be able to ask Him to know what to do in moments of trial. When the Eternal is with you, you might not always feel his presence, or listen to his voice, but He will lead you in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. When the Eternal is with you, you might not know what will happen to you, but you will know that even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will fear no evil. 

Shavua tov, good week,

Ketriel