There is something placed upon the lives of believers that paints a notable difference between us and those in the world. This something is so amazingly powerful and glorious, yet, it too, is sweet, peaceful, and calming. This something is the presence of the Lord in our lives.
It is quite interesting
how easily our God given lives can make us forget to acknowledge His
presence. We get so caught up in the busyness of each day, failing to even acknowledge
the remarkable presence that is so readily available to us. Life and
circumstances can make us forget that we are those chosen to host God's presence. We must live with the awareness that God's presence is the presence that distinguishes us from the world.
Moses knew that he and
the nation of Israel could not go into the promised land without God's
presence.
One day Moses said to
the LORD, "You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised
Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will
send with me. You have told me,‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on
you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know
your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor.
And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The LORD replied, “I
will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be
fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t
personally go with us, don’t make us leave this
place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if
you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people
and me apart from all other people on the earth.” The LORD replied to Moses, “I
will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you
by name.” Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.” (Exodus
33:12-18 NLT)
Moses made sure God knew
that it was His presence that distinguished them from all of the other people
in the Earth. He told God, "If you don't personally go with us, do not make us leave this place. Because it is your presence among us, your people, that sets us apart."As a nation, Moses knew they absolutely needed the presence of
the Lord. It was not optional in the eyes of Moses because he knew that God's
presence marked them. Moses also knew that everything they needed could only be
found in God's presence.
It is important that we, too, feel the same
way about the presence of the Lord. We must live with the type of faith that refuses to go a single day without
acknowledging our heavenly Father.
Moses refused to go
forward if God did not promise His presence. He had already experienced
firsthand how God's presence set them apart in the land of Egypt.
While the Israelites
were in Egypt, they lived in a portion of the land known as Goshen. When God
began preparing the children of Israel for their departure from Egypt, He sent
plagues upon the land. In the eighth chapter of Exodus, we learn how God
specifically notes that Goshen, where His people dwelled, would remain
untouched when the fourth plague of flies was sent:
"But this time I
will spare the region of Goshen, where my people live. No flies will be found
there. Then you will know that I am the LORD and that I am present even in the
heart of your land. I will make a clear distinction between my people and your
people. This miraculous sign will happen tomorrow,"(Exodus
8:22-23 NLT).
God kept His word; the
flies did not affect them. When God struck the livestock in the land of Egypt,
none of the Israelites' livestock was affected. And, when the land was plagued
with darkness, the children of Israel had light. The fact that God's presence
was among the children of Israel was evident.
There are many things
happening in our world right now that are causing many to be fearful.
Please find peace in
knowing that for those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High, no evil
thing shall come near you. You are God's
chosen.
God's Presence is with
you. No matter what happens or where you go, rest in the fact that God is with
you and He goes before you just as He went before the nation of Israel.
And the LORD went before
them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of
fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the
pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
(Exodus 13:21-22 NKJV)
God's presence is among
us and in us and protects us from all enemies. He will confuse and confound
them.
Do not allow fear or uncertainty
to rob you of peace. Instead, rest in the comforting presence of the God who
goes before you. He loves you.
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