August 23, 2023
Topic: “GOD’S PRESENCE, OUR SHIELD”
Text: Psalm 27:1-5
Memory Verse: “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret of His Tabernacle shall He hide me…” – Psalm 27:5.
This Psalm teaches that the Messiah is our all-sufficient High Priest, and that He can by His example, His ministry, and His Spirit in us, carry us triumphantly through the fiercest trials and through even death (Heb 4:14). The Tabernacle as spoken of in this text is the presence of God. When we enter into the physical Tabernacle and worship and pray to God, a fresh sense of His presence with us envelops us and gives us a renewed assurance of safety, victory and abundant supply, which are all in God. His word is spoken to us revealing anew, His promises to care for every of our concerns. This makes us confident to run to Him always for whatever challenges we face.
In the presence of God, we are reminded of His power and ability to bring all things under His control. This makes us glad and enables us to worship Him with joy unspeakable, full of glory. Nothing can come into the presence of God to terrify us, so we take refuge in that presence. David said that when the wicked came upon him to eat up his flesh they stumbled and fell. In like manner, when the accusers of Jesus came to arrest Him in the Garden of Gethsemane…they went backward and fell to the ground when He spoke to them. He was always in the presence of the Father and so long as His time was not yet due, no man could hurt Him. Today if you will appreciate again the significance of the tabernacle of the Lord, the very presence of God with you, fear of any wicked thing or being will leave you and you will enjoy the assurance of God’s covering over you and enjoy His peace and rest. Let the presence of God be a great delight to you always – Psalm 122:1.
Prayer: Lord, in your presence, I renew strength; in your presence, I take refuge. Hide me from all my foes as I tabernacle with you in Jesus’ name. Amen.