Over the next several days God has put a strong message on my heart. If you are struggling or just need encouraged, then this is for you. This is the message you need to hear. And no matter what the situation, remember – there is rest in the presence of Jesus.
If you have had a full day yesterday and/or today, then you have my permission to rest. Rest in the presence of Jesus…while you are doing your every-day-walkin’-around-kind-of-life!
Exodus 33:14 niv
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Have you ever thought about taking Jesus with you somewhere? Have you thought, “I need to pray and ask Jesus to be with me during this important meeting/appointment/decision.” Or what about, “Lord Jesus, I need you to be with me NOW,” during a difficult time?
Where is Jesus?
Consider: Where was Jesus before you thought that, or prayed that? Was He floating somewhere on a cloud? Maybe sitting and meditating on a log in the quiet of the forest? Or maybe He was sitting on the sandy beach with His feet feeling the lapping of the waves?
At our service recently, the worship team lead us with these words (I took out the repeats) from a song referenced below:
May His presence go before you, and behind you, and beside you.
All around you, and within you, He is with you.
He is with you in the morning, in the evening.
In your coming, and your going.
In your weeping, and rejoicing.
He is for you!
The Blessing
To get the full blessing from this song, do not stop listening too soon. Put it on full screen and turn the volume up!
So know this – God is with you. You don’t have to call Him into your presence or welcome Him in, or go find him in the quiet of an isolated place. It’s more of us moving into, or better worded “recognizing,” His presence with us. This is what worship leaders are gifted at doing, moving us and bringing us into recognition of Him being right here with us…(here it comes), in our every-day-walkin’-around-kind-of-life.
Joshua 1:9 niv
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Challenge for today: Question – what is missing in the presence of God? Answer – nothing is missing in His presence. Another way of looking at it is everything is missing in His presence: sin, sickness, sorrow, lacking (needs not being met), restlessness (tired, worn-out, exhausted), and the list could go on. So take time to put yourself in the mindset of His presence. Everything we need is (in) Him, for in His presence everything we need is there. We strive for that now, but will fully see it, know it, and experience it in eternity. So be it!
Psalm 16:11 niv
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Thank you Scott your devotional deeply ministered to me. I have really drifted from Gods presence. I think I been doing so much in my own strength and power. This is a fresh reminder and invitation to come back into His presence and receive and abide.
Blessings brother.
No doubt Daniel. Thanks for your honesty and for sharing. God will honor that. I know this may seem odd, but this message just keeps ministering to me as well. Jesus is amazing! Thank you Lord for Daniel and his heart for you.