God’s Presence
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20, NLT)
After his resurrection, Jesus gave the great commission and the beautiful promise that he is with us always. We know that one of the characteristics of God is that he is omnipresent, meaning he is everywhere and ever present. Yet sometimes we have a tough time truly grasping what it means that he is with us always.
One day my sister who had been my lifelong roommate (except when I left for college) told me she needed to move out for college. I would have my own place which was exciting but also terrifying. I had never lived alone, and I was nervous about the idea of doing so. After helping her move into her new place, I drove back home alone and sat in my car in the parking lot, mentally preparing myself to go up to the empty apartment which was now all my own and where I would live alone. The panic and despair built up to the highest it's been since I heard my sister was moving out. I thought, “Oh God, how am I going to do this?” I heard a gentle voice respond to my thoughts with “you’ll be fine.” In those few words, all the anxiety I felt lifted away. God reminded me that he is there with me. I wasn’t going to be alone, and I would never be alone.
We don’t have to feel anxious or afraid of being alone or feeling lonely when we come to the full understanding of God’s omnipresence. He is always there, and he hears us, and guides us. The Lord is our constant companion. He promised that he will be with us, even to the end of the age.
Let’s Pray:
Lord, I pray we come to understand how great your power is and that we may grasp that You are the omnipresent God who is always with us. Calm our anxious thoughts for you know them all and are with us through them. Thank you, Lord, that we are never without you. In Jesus’ majestic name I pray, Amen.
Song Recommendation: You Are With Me - Sandra McCracken:
About the Author
Judith Martinez
Long-time member of our church, faithfully serves in the Choir