Tag Archives: Presence of God

God’s Presence

Living in the Spirit

October 21, 2022

Scripture Reading:

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. –2: Timothy 4:16-18

We find out who our real friends and supporters are when we see who turns up when our lives turn down. I must say I cannot remember a time when I did not have support in challenging situations. Jesus did know how it felt to be deserted in his time of need. Peter denied even knowing him. I appreciated the visits and calls when my father died. When the phone stopped ringing, and all the visitors had left, I sat quietly in my favorite rocking chair, closed my eyes, and felt the full, presence of the Lord. I had the deepest sense that dad had experienced some distress until he too entered the peace of God that passes understanding.

We do need to present for those we love and even those we meet along the way, but the greatest gift we might give them is to share the eternal presence of God with us when we seek God.

But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ` (Matthew 6:33)

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the constancy of your presence. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Presence of God

Living in the Spirit

beach, wave and footsteps at sunset time

November 19, 2020

Scripture Reading: Psalm 95:1-7a
O come, let us sing to the Lord;
   let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
   let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
   and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
   the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
   and the dry land, which his hands have formed.

O come, let us worship and bow down,
   let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
   and we are the people of his pasture,
   and the sheep of his hand.

Reading this scripture made me wonder where is God in my life right now? I have been in survival mode for two weeks since a major ice storm struck. I was left with no electricity for 11 days and still no internet. Forced out of my comfort zones of normality, I probably functioned like the person in the story of the footprints in the sand*. You remember the story. A person noted that she was walking with God where two sets of footprints were apparent then suddenly there was only one set.  She asked God something to the effect, “Where were you when I needed you?” God’s simply responded, “I was carrying you”.

The scripture above implores us to Come into God’s presence. Is not that a call to recognize God’s presence? Two years ago, on a cold, wet day with rain turning into sleet, I finalized the purchase of a new car. It was not going to be ready that evening. Having traded in my car the dealer would not allow me to drive it home. I was graciously provided a nice loaner and after a few quick instructions. I headed home in rush hour traffic just as the ice and sleet hit. I prayed every inch of the way. How hard did I need to press the brake? How did I turn on the windshield wiper? Careful, that car ahead just skidded of the road. After eight treacherous miles, I pulled under my carport, put the car in park, laid my head on the steering wheel and praised God for God’s presence.

A dangerous thirty-minute drive is one thing, living with a pandemic for several months and with several more months to come is another.  Perseverance and intestinal fortitude will be required to make it through this crisis particularly when it is exacerbated by other calamity and a major change in our national leadership. Recognizing the constant presence of God is imperative. This is a time to seek God’s guidance in working toward good outcomes and perhaps even better ways of being the Body of Christ in the world today.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your abiding presence. Amen.

*See https://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/38987.html

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.