Category Archives: Enduring presence

Enduring presence

The Hope of Glory

The presence of God in the life of the New Testament believer is a profound and constant assurance, rooted in the promises and revelations throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, the scriptures consistently highlight God’s unwavering presence with His people, reinforcing the theme that God is always with us, guiding, protecting, and comforting.

Genesis: Foundations of Divine Presence

The book of Genesis sets the foundation for understanding God’s presence. In Genesis 3:8, Adam and Eve hear the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden, signifying the direct and intimate relationship between God and humanity. This theme continues with God’s promise to be with His people, such as His assurances to Isaac (Genesis 26:3) and Jacob (Genesis 28:15). These promises culminate in Joseph’s story, where God’s presence is evident in every aspect of his life, even in trials and triumphs (Genesis 39:2, 21, 23).

Exodus: God’s Presence Among His People

In Exodus, God’s presence is vividly manifested. God assures Moses of His presence with Israel, leading them out of Egypt (Exodus 3:12) and guiding them with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:22). The tabernacle becomes the central symbol of God dwelling among His people (Exodus 29:45, 40:38), and Moses experiences God’s presence directly, which is described as a source of strength and guidance (Exodus 33:14).

The Promised Land: Assurance of Divine Presence

As the Israelites enter the Promised Land, God’s presence remains a constant reassurance. In Deuteronomy, God promises to be with His people as they face their enemies and challenges (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8). Joshua receives the same assurance, being reminded multiple times to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with him (Joshua 1:5, 9). This divine presence continues to be evident through the conquests and victories in the land (Joshua 6:27).

The Judges and Kings: God’s Guiding Presence

During the period of the judges and kings, God’s presence continues to guide and deliver His people. Gideon is reassured of God’s presence as he is called to deliver Israel (Judges 6:12, 16). David, in his Psalms, frequently acknowledges God’s presence as his source of strength and comfort (Psalm 23:4, 46:5, 139:18). Even in the establishment of the kingdom, God’s presence with David and Solomon is emphasized (2 Samuel 7:9, 1 Kings 6:13).

Prophets: Reaffirmation of God’s Presence

The prophets reaffirm God’s continual presence with His people. Isaiah declares God’s comforting presence in times of fear and distress (Isaiah 41:10, 43:2, 5). Jeremiah speaks of God’s protection and deliverance (Jeremiah 1:8, 19, 15:20). Ezekiel and Daniel highlight God’s presence even in exile and adversity (Ezekiel 37:27, Daniel 3:25).

New Testament: God With Us

The New Testament brings the ultimate fulfillment of God’s presence in the person of Jesus Christ. Matthew 1:23 declares Jesus as “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us.” Jesus promises His perpetual presence with His disciples, assuring them of His constant companionship and support (Matthew 28:20, John 16:32). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers underscores this divine presence, making it personal and intimate (Acts 1:8, John 14:16–17).

Epistles: Encouragement and Assurance

The apostles continue to emphasize God’s presence in the life of believers. Paul reassures the Corinthians of God dwelling among them (2 Corinthians 6:16) and encourages the Philippians to practice what they have learned, knowing God’s peace will be with them (Philippians 4:9). The writer of Hebrews echoes God’s promise never to leave or forsake His people (Hebrews 13:5), a timeless assurance of divine presence.

Revelation: Eternal Presence

In Revelation, the culmination of God’s presence is depicted. The ultimate promise is that God will dwell with His people forever in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:3). This eternal presence is the hope and anchor for every believer, affirming that God’s presence is not just a temporal assurance but an everlasting reality.

In closing, we are reminded of the profound truth expressed by the Apostle Paul: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27, AMP). This verse encapsulates the mystery and majesty of God’s presence within us, filling us with hope, strength, and purpose.

As we reflect on this divine presence, let us turn our hearts to prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your presence in our lives. We are grateful that You dwell within us, guiding and sustaining us through every season. Lord, help us to be ever mindful of Your nearness, finding comfort and strength in Your unwavering companionship. May we honor Your presence in our thoughts, words, and actions, living lives that reflect Your glory. Fill us with Your Spirit, and let the hope of glory shine brightly through us, drawing others to Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May we always cherish and honor the presence of God in our lives, knowing that He is our constant hope and eternal glory.

  1. Awareness of God’s Presence:
    • How often do I consciously acknowledge God’s presence in my daily life?
    • In what ways do I feel God’s presence during both good times and challenging times?
    • 1.

2.  Experiencing God’s Guidance:

• Can I recall specific instances where I felt guided by God in making decisions or facing difficult situations?

• How do I seek and recognize God’s guidance in my life?

3.  Living in God’s Presence:

• How does the assurance of God’s presence influence my thoughts, actions, and attitudes?

• Am I living in a way that honors and reflects God’s presence within me?

4.  Communing with God:

• How often do I spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking to connect with God?

• What practices can I incorporate into my daily routine to cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence?

5.  Reflecting God’s Glory:

• In what ways can I let Christ’s presence within me shine forth to others?

• How am I contributing to building a community that acknowledges and celebrates God’s presence?

Enduring presence, Father, Jesus

God With Us — His Enduring Presence

Beloved, let us reflect on the profound and enduring promise that God is always with us. From the beginning to the end of Scripture, this assurance of His presence is a source of great comfort and strength.

As the prophet Isaiah declared, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23, AMP). This fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ marks the tangible presence of God among us. Jesus, in His ministry, assured His disciples of His continual presence, saying, “I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, AMP).

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in His earthly walk, demonstrated the reality of God’s abiding presence. He proclaimed, “And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him” (John 8:29, AMP). Even in His final hours, He reminded His disciples, “But take notice, the hour is coming, and has arrived, when you will all be scattered, each to his own home, leaving Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32, AMP).

In the Acts of the Apostles, we witness the continued fulfillment of this promise. The Lord reassured Paul, “For I am with you, and no one will attack you in order to hurt you, because I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:10, AMP). This divine presence provided Paul with courage and strength to continue his ministry amidst adversity.

The Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote to the Corinthians, “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said: ‘I will dwell among them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people’” (2 Corinthians 6:16, AMP). This declaration echoes the assurance that God dwells within us, His people, and walks among us.

To the Philippians, Paul further expounds this truth, “The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, AMP). Similarly, he blesses the Thessalonians with the peace of God’s presence, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him], regardless of circumstances. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16, AMP).

Our Lord Jesus Christ stands by us, as Paul testifies, “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened and empowered me, so that through me the gospel message might be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the mouth of the lion” (2 Timothy 4:17, AMP). The writer of Hebrews reminds us of God’s unwavering promise, “For He has said, ‘I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless, nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!’” (Hebrews 13:5, AMP).

As we dwell in God’s love, we find assurance in the words of John, “Whoever confesses and acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:15, AMP). This abiding presence is our eternal comfort and hope.

In the Revelation to John, the vision of God’s ultimate dwelling with His people is revealed, “For this reason they are standing before the throne of God, and they serve Him and worship Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them and shelter and protect them [with His presence]” (Revelation 7:15, AMP). And in the final promise, “And then I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘See! The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them [as their God]’” (Revelation 21:3, AMP).

Beloved, let us embrace this profound truth: God is with us. His presence is our strength, our peace, and our eternal hope.

Be Still, Enduring presence, Prayers

Be still and know God

Beloved, I write to you as one who has walked with the Lord, to encourage your hearts and strengthen your faith. In these times of trials and uncertainties, let us embrace the divine call to be still and know that He is God. Remember the words spoken through Moses, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today” (Exodus 14:13). Our God, who parted the sea and delivered His people, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Let us not rush ahead with our own plans, but rather, as Moses instructed, “Stand still, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you” (Numbers 9:8). In moments of decision and confusion, be like Samuel who said to Saul, “Stand still a while, that I may show you the word of God” (1 Samuel 9:27). In our stillness, we open our hearts to His divine guidance and wisdom.

Beloved, consider the wondrous works of God, as Job was reminded, “Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God” (Job 37:14). In our quiet reflection, we see His hand in creation and in our lives. Hear the psalmist’s call, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). Let this truth fill you with peace and assurance.

In the stillness, let us reflect on our ways and turn our hearts to God, for it is written, “Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still” (Psalm 4:4). And again, “Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation” (Psalm 62:1). In these moments of silent waiting, we find our strength and salvation.

Our Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, has promised, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). Let us, therefore, seek His rest and draw our strength from His quiet confidence. As the inhabitants of the coastlands are called to be still, so too are we, for in our stillness we find renewal and peace (Isaiah 23:2).

Beloved, let us stand firm and watchful like Gideon’s men who “stood every man in his place all around the camp” (Judges 7:21), and let us honor the holy moments as the Levites instructed, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved” (Nehemiah 8:11). Our God, who is in heaven, hears our silent prayers and sees our humble hearts, for it is written, “Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God” (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

As the prophet Isaiah calls, “Keep silence before Me, O coastlands, and let the people renew their strength” (Isaiah 41:1), so I urge you, dear children, to find your strength in the stillness of God’s presence. Let us come near to Him, with hearts open and spirits quiet, to receive His peace, His guidance, and His love.

Reflect also on the New Testament, where Jesus Himself exemplified the power of stillness and prayer. Often He withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), teaching us to seek the Father in quietness and solitude. He promised us rest, saying, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In these moments of rest, we are renewed and strengthened by His presence.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). In our stillness and prayer, we find this peace that transcends all understanding.

In this sacred stillness, may we all be drawn closer to our Lord, finding our rest and our confidence in Him alone. Let us, therefore, be still and know that He is God, our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in times of trouble.

Amen.

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