JULY 14, 2024
Topic: BEARING GOD’S PRESENCE – GOD’S FAITHFULNESS AS A SHOW OF HIS PRESENCE
Text: Lamentations 3:23-25, Psalm 33:4-5
Memory Verse: Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
What is God’s presence? It is His residence, company, His abiding presence. I personally believe His presence abides with you as you read these words and is with me as I pen down the words we read here. God is available everywhere, anywhere and at all times. That is why He is the Omnipresent God! In Jeremiah 23:23-24, God asks, “Am I only a God nearby and not a God afar? Can one hide himself in secret places so I cannot see him?” This confirms that the God that we serve is the God whose presence is everywhere and nothing is hidden from His sight.
However, in John 14:23, the Lord spoke of the Father and Himself making a home with those who love him and keep (obey) His Word.
The first presence indicates that nothing is hidden from our God as His presence is everywhere, while the presence of God in John 14:23 speaks of “making a home” with those living in obedience to God’s word. This presence of God with His children is borne out of love. The important point is this, as God’s children, without God’s presence we are nothing! Without His presence, we lose and fail. God’s presence is what makes the difference because we are nothing without His guiding presence.
It is no wonder that Moses, in Exodus 33:14-16, declared that the presence of God was most important to their journey to the Promised Land. His presence saw them to the Promised Land, clearly displaying His faithfulness. In our journey of faith through this life, and like in Moses’ days, we need God’s abiding presence more than ever before.
PRAYER: O God, I thank you this day, for the gracious gift of your presence in my life. Let me walk this journey of life recognizing that you walk it along with me always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.