God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
Experiencing the presence of a person is not easy to put into words. When someone places their arm around your shoulder, you feel something different than when they merely stand next to you with that same arm dangling at their side.
One of the great gifts God gives to His followers is His presence. The psalmists and prophets speak often of the comfort found in the nearness of God. To the analytical mind that might seem to mean that God moves from somewhere over there to someplace over here, to be close by. But that is not what it means at all. Experiencing the nearness of God is about YOU becoming aware of His continual abiding closeness.
Most people journey through their days missing God in their moments. Be assured He is there for every one of them. The Lord celebrates your joys as you embrace life’s blessings, and He grieves your losses as you struggle to comprehend the pain. Even when you are wondering where God is, He is right there, neck-deep in your life!
To know the Lord and experience His consoling touch you must honestly seek Him. His companionship begins in your heart. “The Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth“ (Psalm 145:18). Today, pray for those who shrink back in fear, thinking God is far away… some may even be serving in positions of power in the United States today. Ask that the Lord will draw them into faith, meet His son Jesus, and discover the lovely presence of His Spirit. His arms are open, pray none will miss His embrace.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 119:151-156
151 But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
