Experiencing God's Presence #267

Experiencing God's Presence #267

Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you.

1 Chronicles 28:20

Life is full of bullies. Intimidators. Tasks, trials, temptations, and even people with a disproportionate ability to keep us feeling beaten down and victimized. They remind us of our limitations and weigh heavy on our hearts. They seem to drain “abundant life” from us. They can even paralyze us in fear.

God’s people often face monumental tasks or overwhelming opposition. Those in Scripture who found themselves in such situations—Joshua, David, Solomon, and others—were told not to fear but to be strong and courageous. Why? Because the God who is bigger than any and all giants was with them.

The Presence of God is always an immediate game changer. When David was surrounded by thousands, he slept in peace because he plus God outnumbered an intimidating army. When Jehoshaphat was threatened by a coalition of three armies, he turned from worry to worship and enjoyed victory without even having to fight. When Elisha’s servant was panicking because of a hostile Syrian army, a vast array of God’s horses and chariots and fire was behind the scenes preparing a defense. In every case, God’s Presence and His solutions turned apparent victims into victors. And they still do.

This isn’t automatic. It requires not being afraid or discouraged by the size of the task—that is, faith and courage. In other words, we find God’s Presence has more impact in our lives when we’re actually aware of it. A shift in perspective makes Him more tangible and accessible. When we make that shift, we can “do the work” with confidence and trust in Him.

Lord, I trust You with the mountains I face. They are often overwhelming, but You are infinitely larger. Help me put more confidence in You than in my obstacles. If You are with me, nothing is impossible.