The Promise of Presence
“Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God.” AW Tozer
To me, the most stellar of all God’s promises is His promise to be with us—and not just sometimes or occasionally, but always. This literally means He is with us wherever we go. And we are not now, nor will we ever be alone—which when you think about it is truly mind-blowing.
Those who have experienced God's Presence would tell you that nothing in this world compares or comes close to it. And if it were possible to sit and talk with Moses, I’m confident he too would say the same.
In Exodus 33, Moses was tasked with yet another colossal assignment—leading God’s people into the promised land. Obviously, this was no small feat. Yet, what made it even more challenging, was the fact that God would not be accompanying the Israelites on their journey. Why? Well, quite frankly, it was due to their gross display of idol worship with a golden calf (Exodus 32)!
Still, Moses was determined. And rather than accept God's plan that he go without Him, he instead made a bold request: "Lord, if your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). You see, Moses had a profound understanding of the Presence of God. He witnessed His glory–enjoyed a close, intimate friendship with Him, and even met with Him face to face. But that's not all…
In addition, it was God’s Presence that empowered Moses to boldly face Pharaoh, perform miraculous signs, provide for the Israelites in the desert, establish a system of judges, ascend Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, record the Pentateuch, construct plans for the Tabernacle, and serve as a lifetime mediator and Intercessor on behalf of the Israelites!
For these reasons and infinitely more, Moses would not venture out apart from God. Yet, not only because of what he knew God could do for and through Him, but also because he had tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). And most significantly, Moses wanted the Lord with him on his journey because he had experienced firsthand the overwhelming beauty of God’s Presence—- which had become for him a treasure—something Moses desired above all else, and the one thing he resolved never to live without.
The good news is, he never had to. And the equally good news is, neither do we.
So, perhaps today spend some time in heartfelt gratitude thanking God for the reality of His promised Presence with you. And in those times when life is hard and hurtful, remember God has promised to be with you always, even unto the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
Pray
Father God, I am grateful for the priceless gift of Your promised Presence with me in all places, spaces and in every season. The reality of Your Presence empowers me to live confidently, and on mission with You in this world. You are faithful beyond measure —completely trustworthy and consistently good. I thank You in Jesus’s Name, amen.
Reflect
In what ways are you encouraged knowing God is present with you now and always?
Encourage others with your response to this week’s question HERE or in the Comments section below.