Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me…
Psalm 23:4a
What was David’s reason for avoiding fear? It was the very presence of God! When God is with us, it is His presence that brings us calm. When we are misguided, the presence of God brings guidance. When we are sinful (in thought, word, or deed), He forgives and restores us. When we are unstable, His presence brings a sense of stability. There is nothing that the presence of God cannot accomplish in our lives. His presence is powerful and equips us to do incredible, extraordinary things. Consider the following examples of the powerful presence of God:
- To the people of Israel as they were entering the Promised Land:
“Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:6-9
Three times the Lord tells Joshua and the people to “Be strong and courageous!” They were not to abandon their devotion to God. They were not to tremble or to be dismayed. They were to enter this land with strength and courage!
- Again, to the people of Israel:
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Isaiah 41:10
The Lord instructs the people, “Do not fear.” Again, the reason for this is set forth in His next statement, “For I am with you.” It was the presence of God that was to yield a life free from the weight of fear. God promised to strengthen them, to help them, and to uphold them.
At times, we might hear the suggestion that these are merely instructions and promises to Israel and are not to be claimed by those living by faith in Christ. I would disagree! Consider the words of Paul:
Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.
Galatians 3:7-9
As born again believers in Jesus, we are full recipients of the covenant that God made with Abraham so long ago. Christians can claim all of the promises that God has made to those who belong to Him. As He strengthened, assisted, and upheld the people of Israel then, He will do the same for us today!
- Jesus’ presence also brought a sense of calm:
When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Matthew 14:26-27
The disciples found themselves crying out in fear. But just as God spoke to Israel, Jesus spoke to the disciples and declared, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” The disciples were in the very presence of God and it was that presence that changed the conversation from one of fear to that of courage, strength, and confidence. This is the power of the very presence of God in our lives!
Are you living in the power, protection, and provision that come from the presence of God? Talk to Him about that today!
mytwocents.info 