The Presence Promise: He is Near – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 4:4-7

Key Verse:  Philippians 4:5

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

As we continue our study of Philippians 4:4-7, we see that rejoicing in the Lord and allowing a gentle and calming spirit to rule us is based on the third step: The Lord is Near!

This step would be so easy to enjoy if Jesus was in the flesh.  Imagine going through your day and every so often, you catch a glimpse of Jesus out of the corner of your eye!  Imagine dealing with the most stressful issues, looking up and seeing Jesus with a big smile!  Imagine facing some horrible fear, but then seeing Jesus standing right beside you with a calm hand on your shoulder!  What a difference it would make if we could just see Jesus in all that we do!

The Apostle Paul writes a very short, but powerful, sentence: The Lord is near.  Can you take that assurance with you today?  Would you be willing to whisper it under your breath in a tough conversation you might encounter today?  Would you be willing, by faith, to totally relax with the realization the Lord is near.  The promised presence of our God is what makes all the difference in living a life of joy or a life of tension.  Every time you are tempted to worry, fear or stress, repeat this word from God Himself: The Lord is near!

Father, I claim this promised presence for my day!  I will be calm and happy.  My faith will see you standing near.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.