The Presence Promises: God’s Presence
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-7
Key Verse: Matthew 28:20b
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In facing fears or challenging tasks, to feel alone is devastating. To feel that no one else is there for us, or no one will help us through a tough day, makes life unbearable. For example, when I do a funeral for a family that has no church background, such a hopelessness is present. They have little or no faith to lean on during their walk through the valley of death.
However, it is a very different scenario for those who have believed in God and received His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. A “presence” factor is real and powerful. God’s Spirit in us truly does show up in times of great need. It is not that God is not there when things are good, but rather He is revealed clearly when life is tough.
The next steps after salvation include learning to trust this presence promise. Jesus told us He would be with us to the very end. He is closer than a brother and a companion who will never forsake us (Proverbs 18:24). The evil one is constantly trying to rob us of this presence promise. If he can make us feel alone and isolated, he knows discouragement will follow. After we trust Christ for our salvation, we must learn to trust Christ with every detail of our life. Jesus is our shepherd and we can know He will be there for us!
Father, thank you for providing not only my salvation but also for my daily needs. Today I will trust your presence promise! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.