God is Present

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 30, 2015

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. Psalm 14:5

God is present in your predicament. You do not have to pray, “God be with us.” He is there already. He is there because He cares. He is there because you are extremely valuable to Him. God’s cherishes His children. He loves to give His own good gifts (Matthew 7:11). His presence alone is a present. He is present to give wisdom. He is present to give you direction. He is present to give you courage. In His presence there is peace. He is ever present.

God’s presence gives us calm and conviction. His peace propels us forward by faith. Do not give up on doing the right thing. Sinful compromise for short term satisfaction never ends well. Why put your family at risk by running after forbidden fruit? God has not left you. He does not wink at wicked deeds. He is right by your side to see you through this sinful temptation. Indeed the fear of God is the fruit of His presence. He reminds us to remain pure.

“How then could I [Joseph] do such a wicked thing and sin against God” (Genesis 39:9)?

His presence is made manifest in a company of Christ followers. It is in community that the body of Christ is in full expression. Sin pushes us to seclusion. It is an illusion to think we can isolate ourselves from Almighty God. In authentic community there is nowhere to hide. It is in the presence of committed Christ followers that we feed our faith. Do not fight temptation alone. Tell someone. Reengage with the righteous. This is the presence of God personified.

Therefore stay in the presence of God-fearing followers. Engagement with others facilitates our time alone with our Heavenly Father. Stay hard after your Heavenly Father in solitude and prayer. His presence is inviting you into intimacy. Design your life around a daily retreat into His presence. Look into His face and feel His love. In His presence He provides just what we need in the moment. Therefore persevere in prayer. Be present in His presence!

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust You are my ever-present help and wisdom for whatever I face.

Application: What does it mean for the Spirit to be ever-present? How does the Spirit strengthen my spirit?

Related Readings: Genesis 4:16; Numbers 20:9; Jeremiah 52:3; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 9:24

Post/Tweet this today: Effective prayer is able to be present in the presence of God.

Worship Resource: 9 minute video- Hillsong: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

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