The Promise Of Presence

The Promise of Presence

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:8

ONE OF MOSES’ BIGGEST FEARS at his burning-bush encounter with God was the prospect of going back to the hostile environment of Egypt alone. He didn’t necessarily express that fear in those terms, but his uncertainty about how he would be received in Egypt suggests visions of being out on a limb without a safety net. So God gave him a different vision—the safety net of God’s own name, his credentials, and his power. Moses had little choice but to accept his mission.

Years later, when Moses was passing off leadership to Joshua, he recognized in Joshua the same fears he once had and the need for assurance. With ample experience now under his belt, Moses was able to encourage Joshua that God would go with him. No matter how things looked at certain moments—in the heat of battle or in the midst of complaints—God would neither fail nor abandon him. He had promised his presence to Moses and been faithful to keep his word; he would do the same with the next generation. Joshua would never need to proceed in fear, wondering if he was out on a limb without a safety net.

We can take comfort in God’s promises about his presence, not only to Moses and Joshua but throughout Scripture. In fact, Jesus is called Immanuel, “God with us,” for a reason. He is the emphatic statement that God’s presence will always be with those who believe. Jesus came to us in the flesh, and he sent his Spirit as a constant companion and counselor not only to be with us but to live in us. We are never alone.

When you pray in faith about your future, don’t let fears about going alone or being let down creep in. God has promised to go with you. He has given you his name, his credentials, and his power, just as he did with Moses. You can pray boldly for whatever he wants to do in your life, knowing that if he has called, he will equip and empower you. His presence removes the limitations of fear from your prayers.

When Jesus is present, all is well, and nothing seems difficult.