A little girl crawls into her grandfather’s lap. In his arms, she doesn’t fear the semi trucks rushing by on the highway. Even when he lifts her onto the front of his motorcycle seat and speeds down the darkened road; she’s not scared.
Benefits of God’s Presence
In this same way, we find comfort when we kneel in God’s presence. Creator of the Universe leaning down to listen to our prayers is truly one of the highest blessings we receive as his children.
God listens to our wants, and is faithful to provide for our necessities. God will reveal himself to His people. All we need to do, is seek Him.
God graciously has provided us with the right way to live our lives so that all may go well with us. But his presence is essential for us to be able to follow His path.
God’s presence purifies our thoughts, our feelings, and actions. He transforms us into a new creation. He slowly prepares us for our heavenly home. Through God’s truth we change day by day…each time we turn away from sin… we walk closer towards his Holiness.
Our Great Need
Just like the people in Exodus we also are on a long journey, encountering many trials and dangerous enemies.
At time during my own wanderings, I’ve often wished that God’s divine presence would be visibly with me too. A cloud traveled with them by day and a pillar of fire comforted them in the long dark nights.
Now when I think of a cloud, I envision a white puffy cloud in a bright blue sky. Not a dreary cloud hovering over a sad Eeyore. But to be honest, I don’t really think of following the cloud. But of the cloud following me. Comforting me wherever I go.
This is a great need of my soul. I crave God’s presence.
“God with us”
In Exodus Moses had requested that God’s presence go with them. God satisfied his need by sending the pillar of cloud and fire so that His people would know He was with them.
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
God satisfies our need for His presence too. God sent Jesus to earth. Tidings of great joy are found in God’s presence. His name was Immanuel which in Hebrew means “God with us.”
In Matthew 28:20 Jesus told his disciples, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
In John 14: 15-17, Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever the Spirit of truth.”
It can be difficult to grasp that the Holy Spirit dwells within the people that God chooses. But I’m so thankful. The Holy Spirit kindles celestial light in our darkness, removes discord, and restores the equilibrium of our soul (Stanford).
In 1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT We are told that we do not belong to ourselves, but that our very body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us and was given to us by God.
The Sun of Our Soul
I love Payson’s phrasing, “God is the Sun of the soul. When He favours it with His presence and exerts upon it His influence, it is enlivened and enlightened, and made to glow with love, and hope, and joy, and gratitude.”
God is the Sun of my soul. His presence breathes life into me each morning. Through God’s presence my heart swells with love, hope, joy and gratitude.
If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, you can even rest in this world because sin does not have dominion over you. We can relax our anxious nerves. God’s wisdom and kindness will guide us.
By the power of the Holy Spirit we can still have righteousness, peace and joy even in a sinful world.
If your life is lacking peace, consider reading How to Find Peace.
DO YOU KNOW THE PROMISES OF GOD?
Join this FREE Bible study from the comfort of your own home and connect with me in a private Facebook discussion group.
The study begins January 6th 2020. Go ahead and sign-up today! Just click the link below to join, friend. I’ll see you there!
Join the FREE Bible study here.
Connect With Me
- Follow Me on Instagram for encouraging scriptures.
- Like my Facebook page and receive links to some of my favorite authors from the Hope Writing Community.
- Know someone battling cancer? Visit My Pinterest board for 21 days of encouraging verses to share with others.
Reference:
Payson, D.D. God’s special presence distinguishes His own people
Stanford, D.D. God’s presence realized
Abide in Christ's Love 