October 12, 2009
Many times in my life I have found that I have desperately needed the assurance of the Lord’s presence. I’m sure you have as well. Although I know and believe that He is with His children at all times in and through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, I also know that He is omnipresent. But there are times there is a greater need for that “knowing” in our whole being that He is not only present but that we can experience tangibly that presence with us.
I have found the Psalms many times to be a source of encouragement and inspiration when I have needed that assurance. Especially in Psalms 27 verses 1-4 we read the words of David.
THE LORD is my Light and my Salvation–whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, [even then] in this will I be confident.
Then He makes this statement – One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty [the sweet attractiveness and the delightful loveliness] of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. (or in His presence)
There are many things going on today that could very well cause concern or even fear. David knew that in his day and even though his opponents and enemies were real and dangerous he found refuge in the knowledge of and the experience of the Lord’s presence.
Continuing to read this Psalm we see the impact of this knowing and experiencing the Lord’s presence in difficult and trying times. David tells us of His faith and confidence in the detect ability of God’s being with him and for him then he declares the power of that presence.
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock. And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me; in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
There is safety and security in His presence! I can’t tell you how many times that has proven true for me and my family. I am certain He will also abide with you and sustain you in your most difficult times. He promises never to leave us alone. And here we see that He also intervenes not only with answers to our needs but He places all that He is into our circumstances to show Himself mighty and faithful to each of us.
Throughout the Word of God we are consistently reminded of the promise of His presence as we follow Him and worship Him. It is not that we have to constantly ask for a feeling to assure us but that God Himself will make Himself known to us in those times or need.
He promised -Lo, I am with you always and that means forever.