The Sustaining Presence of God

Where were you when you first became aware of the presence and power of God? Was it communicated by a parent or in worship or Bible study? It might have been in some dreadful, horrible place where, in a moment of crisis, there came a realization that you were not alone, but that God was there even in that despicable place.

God’s name, Jehovah-Shammah, means “the Lord is there”. Jacob discovered God's presence when he was running for his life. He saw God's presence in a dream as angels descended and ascended on a stairway. Here he made a commitment to God, but it took decades for him change and mature. Yet, God’s presence remained constant.

Jehovah Shammah is present in the darkest, most frightening moments. The Apostle John would declare, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory.” He’s there for you in each moment, and you can count on his presence for assurance and encouragement, however the ‘moment’ is defined.                          

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So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

~Deuteronomy 31:6 New Living Translation

 

And I will make my home among them. Yes, I will be their God and they shall be my people.

~Ezekiel 37:27 The Living Bible 

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Confluence: Flowing Together with God

There has always been an active interest in how God chooses to reveal himself to his people. A name for God is Jehovah-Shammah, meaning “the Lord is present”. The Apostle Paul quotes God as declaring, “I will dwell in them and walk with them; I will be their God and they shall be my people."

God is there with you now regardless of your surroundings. This can produce uncomfortable feelings if your behavior is out of compliance with his purpose for you. It’s important to realize that God is wherever you choose to be, longing to direct you to himself.

In everything that surrounds us there is confluence, a coming together or merging of all life toward God and in God. Everywhere I look, in every sound, God can be seen and heard when I take time to look and listen for him. As I look and listen, I’m surprised by what I see and hear. God reaches out to everyone everywhere constantly.                     

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Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, you’d find me in a minute – you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you!

~Psalm 139:7-12 The Message

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A Bridge to Better Judgment and Choices

One benefit of growing older is possessing wisdom that builds a bridge to better judgment and choices. Pressing onward toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus becomes more urgent. Those who love God can realize he has been continuously present throughout life’s struggles as well as the joyful, happy days.

Some mistakenly think God is present only for unique events when his power is witnessed touching the lives of worshipers. God is constantly present, for his name is Jehovah-Shammah, “the Lord is there”. In Exodus 23:20 God told Moses, "See, I am sending my angel ahead of you to guard you and bring you to the place I have prepared."

In Psalm 139 David asked God, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" It's awesome to realize that God is everywhere continuously. God is always there, so let this fact be a source of comfort and assurance for whatever you’re facing at this moment.                            

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Now we can come fearlessly right into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome when we come with Christ and trust in him.

~Ephesians 3:12 The Living Bible

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