Yesterday I spoke about being “Near to God” and how prayer brings us there. To think that sinful man can be near God who is perfect is a glorious thought. His presence gives us courage to face danger, comfort to endure difficulties, companionship when we are lonely, and counsel when we are confused. Knowing He will never leave nor forsake us changes our outlook on life. Regarding the Lord’s presence, James Smith wrote:
“So the Lord promised Moses, and so He has promised us. Let us never venture any where, if we have reason to think the Lord will not favour us with His presence there. The Lord’s presence produces holiness, imparts power, fires with zeal, brings into union, and often fills with comfort, joy, and peace. His presence is our glory, and it will yield us support under losses, crosses, and bereavements. Let us plead for the Lord’s presence to go with us; let us expect it; let us not be satisfied with anything else. He went with Moses, and he persevered; with Joshua, and he conquered; with David, and he reached the throne; with Paul, and he was more than a conqueror. Nothing can be a substitute for the Lord’s presence; and as it is so graciously promised, let us not attempt to find a substitute, but daily cry, “If Thy presence go not with me, carry me not up hence.” Jesus has said, “If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and WE will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
O Lord, be ever near us,
Fix in our hearts Thy home:
By Thine appearing cheer us,
And let Thy kingdom come:
Fulfil our expectation,
And give our souls to prove,
Thine uttermost salvation,
Thine everlasting love.
