“And [the LORD] said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’
And [Moses] said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.’”
Exodus 33:14-15
This morning I am dwelling on the presence of the Lord. As He calls us into difficult, even seemingly impossible, situations. As we face fears, questions, and self-doubt. As we walk forward into unfamiliar territory. As we encounter pain and loss. And as we realize dreams and experience joys beyond anything we could have imagined. If we are His, His presence is with us each moment. Filling us with Himself and desiring for us to recognize that His all we ever need, that Jesus is truly enough.
Our ever-present help and light.
Our joy, our salvation, and our hope.
Our refuge.
Our rest.
As you go forward into this day, into the coming weeks and months and years – however daunting they may appear in what you are facing – know that the Lord of heaven, He who made the stars and calls them each by name, is with you (Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26). Your name is known to Him as well (Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3,14). It is engraved on His hands, which were pierced for you (Isaiah 49:16; 53:5).
Each time you question where your life and decisions have led, look to the One walking beside you. You are not alone. He may not answer all of your “whys,” but He will give you what you need: He will show you who He is, and rest assured, He will not fail you.
O Lord, my heavenly Father and overflowing fountain of grace and life, be present with me today. Surrounding me all day long and dwelling between my shoulders (Deuteronomy 33:12). Going before me and acting as my rear guard (Isaiah 52:12). Acting as I wait for You (Isaiah 64:4). And Lord, as You promise to go with me, I ask as Moses did: “Please, show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18). For it is in beholding Your glory that I am transformed, that I am strengthened, and that I am filled with the fullness of joy in Your presence.
“The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety.
The High God surrounds him all day long,
and dwells between his shoulders.”
Deuteronomy 33:12
In Pleasant Places 