Exodus 33:14-15 NIV – ‘The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.’
My pastor once told me a story about a time his daughter wanted to go to the mall. He offered to come with her, but she was very adamant about going with her friends. So, she went with her friends. He dropped her off at the mall and picked her up when she was finished. When she got into the car, he noticed that she was very sad.
He said, “What’s the matter? Did you not have fun at the mall?”
“It’s not that daddy. It’s just that I didn’t get everything I wanted. I didn’t have enough money.”
My pastor shook his head because this problem could have been easily solved.
He said, “If you had brought me along there wouldn’t have been any limit on how much you could have bought.”
This story reminds me of our relationship with God. God’s presence makes a difference. So many times, in the bible the Lord reminds us that He will never leave us or forsake us. Without even realizing it we graze over verses that can give us so much comfort and assurance no matter how bleak the situation is.
In Psalms 23:4 we learn that God’s presence comes with protection and comfort. In Deuteronomy 1:42 God warned the Israelites that the lack of his presence would mean a defeat. Do you know what that means? God’s presence ensures your victory over whatever situation. His promise to never leave you nor forsake you carries weight. It means you will have a comforter, an encourager, a protector, and someone to fight your battles and ensure your ultimate victory.
PRAYER: God, thank you for repeating things in your word. It’s so easy to disregard things. I repent for taking your words, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” as insubstantial. Now I understand that your presence is the difference between victory and defeat. Your presence means that I will be comforted and given the strength to endure whatever comes my way. You are with me and that counts for something and for everything. Please God, help me to believe these words in my heart so that in times of distress, they will bring me peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.