A promise of presence

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ Mat 28:19-20

When I am praying at the start of a gathering, I often find myself saying, “God please be with us…”. If you think about it, that’s not the cleverest thing to pray; He IS with us. That’s what he promised. “I will be with you always!” What more can we ask for? God promises many things and here he promises himself – his presence. His presence is so special and important that Moses insisted on the presence of God as he led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness towards the promised land.

We can take courage every day. Any time, anywhere, we can take courage in this. This promise will help us when we hit rock bottom; when we feel that we are all alone and nobody cares or understands. All the while, God is right there with you. He knows. He understands. He cares. He loves you!

The Psalmists was on a roll in Chapter 139. Read this:
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,’
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

Also God’s promise to Joshua in Deut 31:6 which was in part repeated in Heb 13:5 is God’s promise to us: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’

Let me leave you with this video by Amanda Cook from Bethel. I have it on repeat at the moment. The line that got me was “You make me brave; no fear can hinder now the promises you’ve made.”

Comments

comments

A promise of forgiveness

<blockquote>If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9</blockquot

A promise to overcome

<blockquote>No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can


A promise of grace and power

<blockquote><sup>6</sup> Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will

A promise of provision

<blockquote>And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19</blockquote> People often say that you