God’s divine presence is synonymous with His glory, power, protection, and strength. It is God who has taken the divine initiative to provide His presence to mankind in many different ways for the sole purpose of making Himself known to His creation.

It is God who desires to dwell or “tabernacle” among His people so that they can know Him and be in a relationship with Him. God’s presence provides a place of refuge and strength in our weak moments and a place of comfort when we are in distress.

God promised His presence to Moses as leader of the extremely difficult nation of Israel: “And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” (Exodus 33:14–15, NASB95)

In the same way, Jesus promised his presence to the disciples and church as they would go out and share the gospel with the world.

““Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:19–20, NASB95)

There is nowhere that man can go and not be in the presence of God. Some see that as a bad thing because there is nowhere to hide from God and His wrath. But instead of seeing this promise as a bad thing, how about viewing God’s promise of presence as a good thing? God is present in my suffering. God is present in my grief. God is present when I have been abandoned by everyone. God is present even when I feel unworthy of His presence. God is present when I suffer loss, and God is present on my deathbed.

We can take great comfort in embracing the ministry that comes with the presence of God because he desires to be with us and be present.

May we rest in the presence of God and praise Him for His faithful presence in every aspect of our life.

In His Service,
Pastor Cary