His Presence and His Words

And as they thus spoke, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them and said unto them, “Peace be unto you.” Luke 24:36 21st Century KJV

Scripture is meant to be more than nice thoughts on a page. It is meant to house itself in our life! In every situation, every circumstance, every detail. There is not a thing that we face as God’s beloved child whereby Luke 24:36 is not able to be our experience. Wherever we are, whatever is happening, Jesus stands in our midst and voices these same words to us personally….”Peace be unto you.” He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a God who never changes. His heart of compassion that was so evident in Bible times is still beating for us today.

Some who are reading this devotional are facing unbelievable challenges today. It may be a health issue, a financial crisis, a tragic loss, extraordinary pain, or any number of things. My prayer for them is that they would profoundly sense the presence of Jesus in their midst. That their ears would detect the sound of His voice.

The peace He speaks of can truly be more powerfully felt than the tragedy at hand. It surpasses any peace that the world offers. It is a quietness and rest that accompanies a confidence, trust, and dependency on an almighty, loving Heavenly Father. He is not only the Shepherd of Psalm 23, He is OUR Shepherd. Tender, compassionate, and ever attentive. While many things may block our view of Him, NOTHING can rob us of His presence. He cannot be kept out or silenced when it comes to His child. He does not leave, He does not forsake, He does not abandon, He does not miss a thing. He is still a very present help in time of trouble.

Someone once said, “Every step in the journey we may take in the Lord’s own company.” And within that company we can allow His words in Isaiah 43:1,2 to be our comfort and strength. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.”

Along with all this let me assure you of a few things. Tears are appropriate and He invites us to cry on His shoulder. Fears are understandable and He longs for us to voice them to Him. Uncertainty is natural and He will listen as we confide in Him. There is no thought, feeling, or emotion that He is not aware of and willing to replace with His peace, confidence, and assurance. He will be the only One available 24/7. In the midst of it all, speak to Him, take Him at His word, hold on to the Scriptures He gives to you, lean on Him, and keep receiving all that He offers you. And when it all passes, you will know Him in a way you never knew before.

Father, my heart is heavy for those who are hurting. I take comfort in the fact that Your heart is touched by their hurts, losses, and troubles. May they sense Your presence and hear Your words to them today. Amen.