God's Presence

I read a paragraph this morning in Bill Johnson’s book entitled, “When Heaven invades Earth.” Here is what it said

God’s covenant promise, “I will be with you,” has always been linked to mankind’s need for courage to face the impossible. There is no question that the presence of God is what brings us great comfort and peace. But the presence of God was always promised to His chosen ones to give them assurance in the face of less than favorable circumstances.

You would think that as people of faith, we would have a handle on God’s concept of “I will be with you”, but most of the time my life does not reflect that kind of confidence. Carrying the authority of God with us ought to make our witness a little bolder. There should be a spring in our step and like the frog at the water fountain we should be proclaiming that we have found a home. Too many of my decisions are based more on my own comfort than on the proclamation that God is with me. Getting comfortable is a dangerous goal. As Mark Batterson says, “Playing it safe is risky!” What society calls “Less than favorable circumstances” are opportunities for us to allow God to shine. It always comes down to the question, “Am I going to believe God, or not?”

In the year my grandfather was born, 1887, John H Sammis wrote the following words that became a Hymn that we still sing today:

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,What a glory He sheds on our way!While we do His good will, He abides with us still,And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,But His smile quickly drives it away;Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,Can abide while we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,But our toil He doth richly repay;Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,But is blessed if we trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His loveUntil all on the altar we lay;For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,Are for them who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;Never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.