Text: Psalm 46
Memory verse:
“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.””
Genesis 28:15 NKJV
God’s presence with His people is not merely a theory but an undeniable truth that can be experienced in reality. One woman whose life was a story of God’s presence is Kathryn Kuhlman. She was so intimate with the Holy Spirit that she would cry and sob, saying, “Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit. He is all I have”. She once said about David, “David knew the power of the Holy Spirit, that’s why he cried, and said, ‘Take not thy Holy Spirit from me. You can take everything that I have, but I know where my power lies. Take not thy Holy Spirit’”.
There are three levels of the manifestation of God’s presence to man. Let’s consider one today. That is, God is with us. It was the distinguishing mark of God’s people among the heathen in the old covenant. According to our memory text, He assured Jacob of His presence wherever he went, as His presence guaranteed protection, preservation, provision, power, peace, and promise fulfillment. Thus, God’s covenant people dreaded His absence. That was why Moses demanded assurance from God even after He had given him His promise. “And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (Exo 33:14-15). His presence gives rest. How we need this assurance in the midst of the troubles of our time. So many have lost their sleep and peace because of the burdens and conflicts of life, the fear of the unknown, and of losing out in the battles of life. Yet, in the midst of these hurly burly of life, God keeps saying, “Fear not”. It’s been said that we have “Fear not” admonitions for each day of the year.
Look at this again, “Fear not, for I am with you…’” (Isa 41:10). Did you notice the reason why you shouldn’t fear? “…for I am with you”. The reason why people fear is because they think they are alone. What a comfort to have the Lord of hosts with us. He is the Commander of the armed forces of heaven and the earth. He is the Lord of the angels armies. David said he won’t fear, even with the threats of earth tremors, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides or any natural disaster because the Lord of hosts was with him (Psa 46:7, 11).
Friends, what matters is not what or who is against you but who is with you. Babies don’t fear as long as their parents are with them. Why then will you fear when the Almighty God’s presence is with you? God’s presence insulates from all fears.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, let me never do anything that will cause You to withdraw Your presence from me, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, let Your presence drive away all fears and anxieties from my heart, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I move away from head knowledge to walk in the reality of God’s presence in my life.
2. I won’t trade anything with God’s presence, for that’s where my power, peace, protection, preservation, provision, and promise lies. It’s everything to me.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng