“And lo, I Am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” Matthew 28:20
Jesus promised that He would NEVER leave or forsake us, yet most people don’t live in the reality of His Promise. At least their words, actions, attitudes, and dispositions don’t seem to reflect a life that is based on the reality of His Abiding Presence. When people speak words of worry and fear, and display defensive actions, attitudes and dispositions, they are not in faith. You cannot be in faith and fear at the same time!
The Presence of God is something we need to put into practice by faith! Practicing the presence of the Lord is a conscious decision we make daily, hourly, and moment by moment. This is how His Word comes to life in us, and how His presence abides in us. His presence, and faith in His presence, is what drives worry, fear and strife out of our lives as we consistently practice His presence! You may not feel His presence, but our faith is not based in our feelings. Our faith is based on His Word! (Luke 21:33)
When the Word of God abides in us it brings the awareness of His Presence. According to Psalms 97:5, His Presence melts mountains like wax! I don’t know about you, but I would like to have all mountains that obstruct my path removed permanently! According to Psalms 16:11, “His presence brings fulness of joy; and at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” That’s what I’m talking about!
God has promised us His abiding presence to all who believe! His presence is real! And His presence is in His Word, (John 1:1); His presence is in His Name (John 14:13), His presence is in His Attributes (I John 4:16), His presence is in the Gifts of the Spirit (I Cor. 14:24-25), His presence is in our Gathering Together in His Name (Mt. 18:20), and His presence abides in our Praise (Psalms 22:3)
Jesus gave us an amazing Promise when He said, “If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what YOU will, and it SHALL be done unto you! (John 15:7)” Abiding in Him is the acceptance of His presence, faith in the integrity of His Word, and believing His love for you! His love will never fail! His abiding presence in our lives is the express desire of God. Everything Jesus did was to get God back in us– He did it all for you!
With Love,
Pastor Tom