…and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
The presence of God is a promise to those who know him personally. It is an assurance and a hope to all who struggle in this world. It is a truth you can build your life around. But it is so much more. His presence carries with it many promises that are recorded in his word, and gives us a peace to go through life. The subject of his presence is one that I feel he revealed to me in a very personal way. Although I have never heard God speak to me audibly, about 10 years ago I found myself faced with a medical procedure that I knew was going to be painful. I was afraid. I was living in dread of that appointment. And as I drove to the doctor’s office, I was praying aloud to God, asking him to make it not hurt. Suddenly, as I drove, I felt a quiet come over me, and these words came to me as clearly as if they were spoken aloud: “I have not promised you a life free of pain. But I have promised you my presence in every circumstance.” I almost looked into the back seat to see if someone was sitting there, the words seemed so real. And as I considered them in my heart, peace flooded over me, and I was no longer afraid. His presence is real. And it is powerful.
Scripture tells us much about God’s presence. It is absolutely necessary for life, but if we were to actually see him, we would die. It is truly an awesome thing. As I searched the scriptures this morning, I found several verses that speak to the benefits we receive as a result of his presence. This list is in no way all-inclusive, but it gives us a glimpse at what blessings are ours in connection with his presence. Psalm 31:20 says that his presence provides a shelter for us. How often do we feel like we are beaten down by this world we live in? When we acknowledge his presence, we can hide in that shelter. Exodus 33:14 says that “rest” comes as a result of in his presence. Do you need rest from the trials of life and the demands placed on you? His presence will give you that rest. All we need to do it take it.
Psalm 23:4 tells us that God’s presence casts out fear, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in-even the approach of death. Fear is such a common enemy. It has a paralyzing effect on its victims. What a great comfort and strength to know that God’s presence does away with fear. Psalm 16:11 says that his presence fills us with joy. Not happiness that changes with our circumstances. Not a thrill that will soon pass. But joy that continues on in our lives just because of his presence. Look at all we miss when we do not “practice his presence”. And lastly, Psalm 139:7-12 assures us that there is no place we can go that will exclude his presence. His presence is all-encompassing. It is everywhere we could go and anywhere we could not. We cannot escape his presence…and that is such a wonderful truth. He is always with us, even to the end of time.
So we, like the people of Nehemiah, need to focus on and thank God for his presence. Without it we would fall to the enemies of this world. Without it we would perish. But with it, we can enjoy shelter, rest, joy, and the freedom from fear. Praise God for the gift of his presence, and recognize it moment by moment throughout your day.
application
Choose something this week to remind you to “practice his presence”. You can put a note on your mirror, a sticker in your car, or a dot on your briefcase. Just choose something that will catch your attention and remind you that God is always with you and you can trust him with your problems, heartaches, and concerns. As you acknowledge his presence, you will experience the blessings that go along with it.
prayer
Father, thank you that you are always with us. Thank you for the precious gift of your presence and what it does in our lives. Help us to remember that you are with us always, and that you give us rest and joy as we trust in you. We love you, Amen.