The Unwavering Presence of God
A Constant Companion in Life’s Challenges
In the midst of life’s turbulent journey, God offers us the one thing we need most: His unwavering presence. This was exemplified when Moses led the children of Israel through the wilderness to the Promised Land. God personally accompanied them, manifesting as a pillar of cloud that descended upon the tent of meeting, where He would converse with Moses as a friend (Exodus 33:11).
A Devastating Separation
However, after the Israelites sinned by creating a golden calf and worshiping it, God declared, “I will no longer travel with you… I will send an angel to guide you” (Exodus 32). While some might have been content with an angelic presence, Moses was devastated. He yearned for God’s personal presence, recognizing that our security lies solely in Him. “If you don’t go with us personally, I don’t want to move a step from this place,” Moses pleaded.
A Promise of Rest
God relented, promising Moses, “I will personally go with you… and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14 NLT). This promise was later passed on to Joshua, who was reassured, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT).
A Reiterated Promise
Jesus reiterated this promise to us, saying, “I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you” (John 14:18). The writer of Hebrews further emphasized, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5).
Beyond Feelings
While we may not always feel God’s presence, our emotions can be deceiving. They fluctuate with circumstances, but when we cling to God’s abiding truth – that He is with us now – our feelings eventually align. Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, practiced the presence of God as a moment-by-moment discipline, resulting in joyful living. He would pause in his daily tasks to praise God for the privilege of knowing Him.
A Daily Choice
As Brother Lawrence wrote, “Remember God never leaves us unless we go away first.” Our daily choices directly affect whether we move toward God or away from Him. Let us acknowledge God’s constant presence and choose to walk in His ways, doing His will. Thank you, Father, for being with me now, not just in theory, but in actual presence, and for promising to be with me all day long.
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