Ever Present Present
The promises of God are meant to give you boldness and belief in Christ.
“Isaac called Jacob, blessed him...May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you...Isaac sent Jacob away. He went to Paddan Aram to Laban...and went toward Haran. He dreamed and saw a stairway set upon the earth, and its top reached to heaven...“I am Yahweh...I will give the land you lie on to you and to your offspring. Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you until I have done that which I have spoken of to you.”...Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothing to put on, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, and Yahweh will be my God, then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God’s house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give a tenth to you.””
Genesis 28:1, 3, 5, 10, 12-13, 15, 17, 20-22
What would you attempt to do if you knew you would be successful at whatever you did? God plus you is a majority and will overcome anything you face. Paul described this mindset as being more than a conqueror. Someone whose faith is so confident in who God is and His ever present power that a boldness would radiate from their soul.
Where in your life is faith required? Where do you need God's presence and promises in order to be successful? Where have you held back from trying something scary or new because you do not know how it will turn out?
“To you, Yahweh, I call. My rock...Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him."
Psalms 28:1, 7-8
David is so confident in God that he gives thanks before he has received the answer to his prayers. He does not say I might be helped or God could show up. He uses strong language. He is bold. God is my rock. He is my strength and shield. I can praise because of His presence and how my heart will rejoice.
“The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion...He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy...one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.”
Proverbs 28:1, 5, 13, 25
We have all experienced the fight or flight feeling that comes from fear. Wisdom teaches a better mindset. Wisdom teaches us that we do not need to run from fear. We can face our fears with boldness knowing that when we live in truth we move with confidence knowing God will make a way. When we trust God we prosper because He is the great provider. Is there anything you are running from or not facing that you need to confront with confidence?
“Yahweh’s word will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line...I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line...Give ear, and hear my voice! Listen, and hear my speech!”
Isaiah 28:5-6, 13, 17, 23
God wants to not only know that He is present with us, but He wants to actively guide your life as you hear His voice. We are loved by a God who makes His presence known. Consider creating quiet time. Stop and take two minutes and ask God what do I need to know in this moment. What is the next thing I should do? Give hear to His voice then listen and move boldly.
“Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. The angel answered the women, “Don’t be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. He is not here, for he has risen...As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him...“All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:1, 5-6, 8-9, 16-20
The resurrection story remains one of the most incredible, true events the world has known. Everything changed on that day, the moment Jesus was raised from the dead. When you face fear you can proclaim He is Risen! If Jesus can overcome death, then I can overcome anything I am facing as He walks with me.
How beautiful is it that Jesus' last promise in Matthew is His continual presence with us? He knows us so personally. He knows our fears and worries. He knows there is nothing better for us in facing our fears than to know that we are not alone and that we have the Prince of Peace walking with us. Today is a day to be bold believing in the power and presence of the resurrected Christ walking with and living in us as we continue our journey of faith. It is a day to move bey0nd our own fears so that we can be faithful to do what He calls us to do. Make disciples of all nations, teaching His ways and baptizing them with the Holy Spirit.