Introduction: In our walk with Christ, when we are facing problems the first thing that has to come to our mind is that ‘God is with us’. Often this is the last thing that comes to our mind. In this sermon let us examine the promises of our Lord and the benefits of enjoying His presence.
[Zep 3:17 KJV] 17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. Yes he is in the midst of us. Are we able to feel his presence?
In Psalm 23 if we go through it the Psalmist links the presence of God to all the present and future needs of his life, from providing this earthly temporary needs to eternal need.
While considering His presence we can classify God’s presence at least under three heads, Omnipresence, Intermittent Presence and Shekinah Presence.
[Psa 139:8 KJV] 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou [art] there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou [art there].
In Psalm 139 the Psalmist describes the Omnipresence of God all through his life. This presence is universally available to any one whether he be aware of it or not.
[Mat 18:20 KJV] 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. This is an occasion of his presence where two or more people are gathered in His name.
[Exo 40:38 KJV] 38 For the cloud of the LORD [was] upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
This is a permanent presence of the Lord throughout day and night upon the tabernacle. We are the Lord’s tabernacles upon whom He is longing to be upon. Are we one of them?
I. THE BENEFITS OF HIS PRESENCE
(1) Supernatural Favour
[Gen 39:2, 21 KJV] 2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. ... 21 But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.
Whether Joseph was a slave or prisoner sold out and in another nation, the word of God makes it clear that the Lord was with him always.
[Dan 1:20 KJV] 20 And in all matters of wisdom [and] understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians [and] astrologers that [were] in all his realm.
See, Daniel was ten times better than all. How was it possible? The Presence of God with him made it to happen.
Are we ready to enjoy this supernatural favor which accompanies the presence of our Lord? Don’t miss it out.
(2) Rest all-around
[Exo 33:14 KJV] 14 And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest. See, rest all-around is linked with the presence of God with us. Moses in the next verse even asks God not to let him without the presence.
[2Ch 15:15 KJV] 15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. See, in the era of Asa, when they seek the Lord and found him God gave them rest.
Is your circumstances make you unhappy and make you feel restless? God promises rest all around if you have His presence upon you.
(3) Supernatural Protection
[Isa 43:2 KJV] 2 When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Whether your problems be overflowing or encompassing, one thing is certain they could not harm you if God’s presence is upon you.
[Dan 3:25 KJV] 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
[Dan 6:22 KJV] 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Whether it be things without life inthem or living creatures supernatural protection is yours if you have the presence of God with you.
II. ACESSING GOD’S PRESENCE
(1) Love God
[Mat 22:37-40 KJV] 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Here is the secret of fulfilling the commandments. It’s revealed through Jesus himself. If you love God you will be automatically fulfilling all the commandments of God in your life.
[1Co 2:9 KJV] 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. If you want to enjoy unseen, unheard of privileges love Him whole heartedly.
[Jhn 14:23 KJV] 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Is this not self explanatory? Do you want you to be the abode of the heavenly Father ? Then, Love Him. Our worship and all should follow out of this love towards HIM.
(2) Obey God
[Jhn 8:29 KJV] 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
See, it was even necessary for Jesus to please God while he was doing his earthly ministry. If we do things that pleases God the scripture promises that God will never let us alone.
[Exo 40:16 KJV] 16 Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he. The obedience of Moses made God to be with him all ways.
(3) Humility counts
[Mic 6:8 KJV] 8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Love God, Obey God and walk humbly with God.
