+DEV+ Always There

Date: May 24, 2010 9:16 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Always There

Always There

"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them" (Revelation 21:3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:1-12

Feeling lonely is not the same as being alone. We might feel lonely, but Scripture tells us we are never alone. God's presence is always with us.

That wasn't always the case. At one time in Israel's history, her disobedience caused the glory of God to leave. But Ezekiel 48:35 tells us God promised His presence would return to dwell with His people, and Jerusalem would be called Jehovah Shammah-the LORD is There.

The coming of the Savior marked the beginning of the fulfillment of that promise. The gospel of John tells us God dwelt with men in the person of Jesus Christ. After the resurrection, the Holy Spirit dwells in each believer.

Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, encouraged us to practice the presence of God in all we do, no matter how secular or trivial the task may be. Doing so brings a comforting awareness of God's presence. Still we realize that the body used as the temple of the Holy Spirit can dishonor His presence. The choice is ours.

Insight: How can you "practice the presence of God" today? Consider behaviors you should change in light of your awareness of God's presence.