Experiencing God's Presence #141

Experiencing God's Presence #141

I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.

Isaiah 57:15

“I know when it’s hard for you to face the day. I’ve seen you wake up in the morning with a heavy heart. I’ve sensed the dread within you when you feel defeated by obstacles before you’ve even encountered them. When you have those days, you need to know: I want to refresh you, give you strength, and fill you with courage.

“Your issues are too big for you. They are never too big for the Spirit I’ve put within you. You feel intimidated by them for two reasons. First, you rightly understand your own limitations, and second, you make false assumptions about My readiness to come to your aid in the midst of them. When you walk boldly forward, depending on Me rather than on yourself, I am with you.

“The very thing that makes you humble—an awareness of your own weakness and flaws—is the very thing that qualifies you to overcome. Your humility draws Me into you and increases My desire to fill you with faith and courage. Your repentance brings Me close. But you often have more faith in your potential failures than in My potential successes. You envision how your life will turn out if I’m absent or don’t come through. But I have promised My Presence—in everything. And in My Presence, you can have courage and strength to face any challenge in life without fear. Go into this day in the boldness of My Spirit, and nothing will overcome you.”

Lord, I need grace and strength to face this day—and all days. May I always place my complete confidence in You. Help me be as low as I need to be in order to be lifted up in boldness and courage. Let me live as one who is constantly refreshed by You.