PRESENCE
Christ now gives us courage and confidence, so we can come to God by faith.
Ephesians 3:12 (CEV)
My father told me a story about my Nanny that changed how I viewed my father and grandmother. She took care of a boarding house where men from the railroad would stay when their trains came through the area. I can still imagine my Nanny in her long skirt with an apron wrapped around her waist, cooking for them and cleaning after they left.
The train whistle would sound as the train approached the house, and my dad would get nervous. Being very young, my father was intimidated by the loud noises of the men when they arrived. He didn’t know what the noise meant, but it threatened his playtime. My Nanny could feel my father’s concern. According to my father’s recollection, she looked down at him and said, Now hold on to me because I’m never letting go of you. My father would then hold on to her skirt as she did her work. My father would go on to tell me that his anxiety and fear would melt away as he thought of his mother’s words. As he told me this story, I saw his love and gratitude for his mother. As he told me this story, I could feel Nanny’s love for my father.
Jesus says similar words to us in Matthew 28:20 when he reminds the disciples that He will be with them always, even until the end of time. Consider those words. Consider the heart behind those words. His presence never leaves us. His presence comforts us. His presence strengthens us. His presence is eternal. Hold onto Him today because He’s not letting go of you.
APPLICATION: Ask God to show you situations where He was with you, even though you felt alone or scared. Ask Him what He wants you to know about that time.
PRAYER: Jesus, thank You for never leaving me. Thank You for always being with me. Help me feel Your presence right now as I pray these words. Increase my faith in You as I am comforted by Your presence. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?