LET YOUR PRESENCE GO WITH US
Introduction: Do we realize that there are so many blessings associated with God's presence with believers? In fact, the Lord has promised us that He will be with us always. He will be with us in all circumstances, pleasant and adverse. He will never leave us or forsake us as per His promise. We can surely depend on God's promises, even when we walk through the valley of shadow of death. "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalms 23:4)
Let us review some of the blessings associated with God's presence with us:
1. God's presence gives us rest (Exodus 33:14)
Moses was in the presence of God in a tabernacle, pleading the Lord to go with him and Israelites. He prayed that if the Lord was not with them, they would not move further. To his request to send "someone" to go with him, the Lord assured that He would go with Moses. Who else could be better than God Himself going with Moses? The Lord also promised Moses that he will find rest in God's presence.
2. God's presence proves we have found favor with God (Exodus 33:16)
As Christians we are the most blessed people on the face of the earth, because we have found favor with God. When God is with us, it proves that we have found His favor. What more blessings we can expect than the favor of Almighty, Omnipotent God? When we are favored by God, we lack nothing. His grace is sufficient for our lives.
3. God's presence distinguishes us from all other people (Exodus 33:16)
What is a basic difference between Christians and non-Christians? It is in fact the presence of God. We Christians have been assured of God's presence with us while others are struggling in the darkness, looking for some kind of assurance in their lives. The challenge for us is, is our life-style different from our non-Christian friends in schools, university or work places? We need to be mindful with our speech, conduct and walk to demonstrate that we are different and we are blessed with God's holy presence in our lives.
4. God's presence creates desire for God's glory (Exodus 33:18)
In the presence of God, Moses was feeling blessed. When he was overwhelmed with God's presence, he prayed to the Lord to show His glory. When we enjoy the presence of God in prayer and meditation of God's Word, it generates desire to see God's greater glory. This desire leads to seek the Lord more and more and ultimately leads to our transformation in to the image of Christ. The more we sit in the presence of Lord, we will have more desire to see God's glory and we would develop more Christlikeness.
God is more than willing to reveal His glory to any believer who genuinely seeks Him. Apostle Pau writes in II Corinthians 3:18 "and we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
When we will be called in to the eternal presence of our Lord, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:21).
5. God's presence guarantees success:
Joseph was successful because God was with him (Genesis 39:2-3, 21). God's presence was always with Joseph, even in tough times when his brothers beat him up and sold him to Egyptians. In Egypt he was bought over by Potiphar and became a faithful servant. God blessed Potiphar's household because of Joseph. When Joseph was wrongly accused by Potiphar's wife of adultery, he was thrown in prison for no fault of his own. But the Bible tells us that God was with him even when he was imprisoned and granted him favor from the prison chief. We learn an important principle from this. God's presence brings success but it doesn't mean that we may not have to go through adverse circumstances.
6. God's presence is an assurance that He will never leave us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5)
When Joshua was called by God to lead the Israelites in to the Promised Land, God promised him that He will be with Joshua as He was with his predecessor Moses. The Lord promised Joshua that He will never leave him or forsake him. God's promise of His presence with us is eternal. We may go through different experiences in life; He will be always with us. Someone has said "God will never let you walk alone in your darkest hour: He will journey with you until you see the light of your provision".
7. God's presence is antidote for fear and discouragement (Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). God "commanded" Joshua to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid of any situation, enemies, opposition from own people and discouragement. Isaiah 41:10 promises us of God's presence with us "so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." If God is with us we have no reason to be afraid or discouraged.
8. God's presence provides guidance.
When Israelites were travelling through desert to the Promised Land, the presence of God was manifested in form of pillar of cloud during day time and pillar of light at night. The people were guided by the Lord through His powerful presence. Our God is our guide. He leads us at every step of our lives through His Spirit and His Word. Psalm 23 is a powerful picture of God's leading of His people. He leads us in the paths of righteousness and He leads us by the quiet waters to restore our souls.
9. God's omnipresence- comfort and warning both (Psalms 139:5-12).
It is awesome feeling to be surrounded by God's presence all the time and at all places. When we read the above verses, we are comforted to know that God is everywhere and we feel assured of His care and kindness. But isn't this a warning for us that we can never escape from His presence nor we can hide ourselves from Him? It is a warning for us that we cannot involve in anything that grieves the Holy Spirit. Even when no one sees us doing anything, God watches over us and we need to be careful with our conduct.
10. We are under protection in God's presence
"But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze" (Isaiah 43:1-2). Good and adverse circumstances are part of our life. Christians are not exempted from trials and God permits trials to mould us in His image, to refine and sanctify us, it is a comfort to know that when we are going through tough times, God grants us grace to go through them. His presence will be with us in all circumstances. Praise the Lord!
11. Immanuel (God is with us-Mathew 1:23) until the end of the age- Matthew 28:20)
In Jesus Christ, the age of grace began. The very name "Immanuel" means God is with us. The Lord Jesus Christ promised His disciples that He will be with them until the end of the age.
12. Holy Spirit's indwelling for ever (John 14:16-18)
When the Lord Jesus was planning to leave the world and return to His Father, the disciples were troubled with the thought that they would be without their Master. The Lord quickly encouraged them by revealing that He would not be with them physically thereafter but He will ask the Father to send another comforter-Holy Spirit to abide with the disciples. The Holy Spirit is indwelling in us for ever, teaching and guiding us in truth. The Holy Spirit also intercedes on our behalf in prayer. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27).
Conclusion:
Christians are the most blessed people on the face of the earth because of God's presence with them. May the Lord comfort us with His assuring presence. Amen
