Power of His Presence (Part 2)

Man was created to have a deep, long-lasting, personal and intimate relationship with God. God initiated this fellowship; it was His idea and desire to spend time with us and this gives Him great pleasure.

You can find this picture in the Garden of Eden. When God would often come down in the cool of the day to spend time with Adam and Eve until sin marred that fellowship and relationship.

The realisation of what we become in life in terms of understanding our purpose for existence, will be birthed, and progressed in the presence of Almighty God.

When we are intentional and serious about spending quality time in the presence of God, we receive clear instructions and direction for life.

To be successful and do great or unusual exploits, to overcome great or challenging problems, we need a moment-by-moment power of God’s presence.

“Because of your great compassion, you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day, the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.” Nehemiah 9:19 (NIV)

The pillar of cloud and of fire didn’t just lead the way or give light; they also served as a temperature regulator, it gave them refreshment and comfort.

The pillar of cloud afforded refreshment by its shade against the harsh Middle East sun in the day and the pillar of fire provided warmth against the bitter cold of the wilderness at night.

Jesus is our sun and shield, our light and shade. In a season of darkness, He sends forth His light. When the pressures of life push us to the point where our soul is ready to faint within us, He ministers to us and brings refreshment and relief.

As the Lord went before them in a cloud, so God ever goes before us. He promised that He will not leave us nor forsake us in our journeys with Him.

God promised to keep us in all our ways, He will lead us by the right path, and when we rest, it is He that makes us lie down in green pastures. We can then confidently say that God is in our midst, we shall not be moved.

“Then the foreign rabble (mixed multitudes) who were travelling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. ‘Oh, for some meat!’ they exclaimed. ‘We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!’” Numbers 11:4-6 (NLT)

As we make our journey through life, we need to be careful of the company we keep. As Christians, it is important to remember that though we are in the world, we are not of the world.

Although the mixed multitude were the instigators of the complaint, God expected the Israelites to show maturity and leadership. He expected them to remember His promises to them, His faithfulness and divine intervention in their lives.

Those we call an acquaintance or friend do not necessarily share or understand our hope and faith. It is important to ensure that they do not influence us negatively, tempt us or draw us away from the presence of God. Instead, our behaviour, attitude and character should always point them to Christ.

I do hope this message will encourage you to value and practice dwelling in God’s presence always. It is encouraging to know that God enjoys spending time with us.

Stay blessed,

Alex