The Presence of God

The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14

The testimony of a young woman caught my attention. Her family practiced one of the major religions but not Christianity. She was brought up to do the same. The girl was going through a particularly hard season of life. An older co-worker, an older asked if she could pray for her. As the woman prayed, immediate peace come over the girl.

Whenever the young woman was upset, the older woman faithfully lifted her up in prayer, and the anxiety would leave. One night at home, the girl was deeply unsettled. She tried praying to her god, repeating the prayers of her faith. Nothing happened. She sought the peace she felt when her co-worker prayed.

She decided to pray to the God of the Bible. Trying her best to remember the words the woman used, the girl offered up a similar prayer. The peace she longed for settled on her once again. She realized her family’s god could not help her. Her co-worker’s God, however, wanted to be with her and gave her His peace.

Ladies, our God is compassionate, not cold and distant. He is ever-present with us. In the Old Testament, God’s presence resided in the temple. I have consecrated this temple ... by putting My name there forever. My eyes and My heart will always be there (1 Kings 9:3).

Did you catch the adverbs forever and always? Christians are God’s temple now (1 Corinthians 3:16). Reread 1 Kings 9:3 substituting your name for the word temple. God is with us forever and always! Now that’s something to shout about!

One benefit of God’s presence is rest. The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14). If you are experiencing stress today, will you join me in this prayer?

Lord, thank you for your continual presence with me. Please give me rest and peace today.

Terri