God’s Presence #1—Present For Victory

In one sense we can never escape the presence of God: “In him we live and move and exist.” “Where can I flee from your presence?” is a rhetorical question implying a negative answer. But God’s promises to be present in an actively helpful sense are legion and were given to motivate our resolve to remain faithful to him while we await his “helpful and timely grace.” The next set of meditations about God’s presence in our lives focuses our attention on a few of the promises that are guaranteed by the one who said, “I will be with you to the end of the age.”

Israel did not possess the land by their own sword, and their own arm did not save them. Rather, it was by God’s right hand, and God’s arm, and the light of God’s smile, for God delighted in them. Psalm 44:3

Like the Israelites on the way to Canaan, sometimes we feel inclined to stop fighting the fight of faith because it doesn’t seem that the Lord is still guiding us or working for us in the difficulties and miseries of everyday life. We feel abandoned and alone. But we are not. Despite our inaccurate perceptions, we are at this particular place in our lives because of the presence and power of our God. He is the foundation stone on which we built our lives. And by the exercise of his grace, we are proceeding along the path of righteousness. He has been mighty and wise, energetic and gracious to us. He overcame our rebellious hearts and restored us to fellowship with him. Since we pledged our allegiance to Christ, we are favored and he enables us to see the way ahead, one step at a time. Indeed, as we walk in the light God provides, we gain situational awareness so that we do not stumble. The Darkness cannot defeat us as long as we trust him who wants to do good to us with his whole heart and soul. Then as we fight the good fight of faith, the light of his goodness shines through us onto everyone we encounter.

Father, thank you for your work in and through me, even when I don’t always perceive your activity. Trusting the promise of your gracious presence, I recommit myself to the battle today, through Jesus, my Lord.