Presence (4), God's Reassuring

Chuckle: Another newspaper headline: "Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says." Really? Ya think?

Quote: “With God's help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances. It is a process of positive reassurance and reinforcement. It is sunshine when clouds block the light.” --Marvin J. Ashton

GOD'S REASSURING PRESENCE

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like day, for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:11-12 NIV).

The last three lessons have dealt with God's Universal Presence, Guiding Presence, and Strengthening Presence from Psalm 139. Today's verses refer back to the psalmist's inability to find a place on earth where he would be hidden from God's presence. But they go far beyond that -- they also provide him the reassurance that God is with him to provide strength, encouragement, and comfort no matter where the psalmist might go or the circumstances he might experience. Hebrews 13:5 quotes Deuteronomy 31:6 where God says, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The writer goes on: "So we can say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (vs. 6).

"Assurance" is a term with an exceptionally rich spiritual meaning. It signifies the joyous, unwavering confidence of an intelligent faith; the security and comfort coming from a complete and fearless trust in God. The words of Scripture teach that we have assurance that we have experienced complete freedom from the power of evil and from consequent judgment for our sins. This is made possible through God's grace and the atoning blood sacrifice of Jesus.

No matter how crazy the world may become around you. No matter how helpless you may feel to do anything about it, as a child of the King you can be assured of God's presence and power in every situation. You should take great comfort from this truth. You can experience the fullness of Christ daily -- a sense of security, freedom and eternal life regardless of circumstances in your life.

God wants you to know that He will never leave you and will never forsake you! Let's rejoice in these reassuring promises.

Love, Jerry & Dotse