God’s presence in 2015
Many of us have made varied resolutions as we start this New Year. There is no doubt that there will be many successes and failures throughout the year. Despite the outcome, there is one thing that will make a big difference in our lives, not just for this year but for the future too. This is the presence of God.
The presence of God will make a difference in your life. It will affect your family, your job, your associations, and operations. God’s presence will determine your effectiveness in all aspects of your life.
Look at the impact of the presence of God on the children of Israel as they journeyed from Egypt to Canaan as recorded in Exodus 13:20-22
“And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.”
God overshadowed His people as He led and protected them by His presence. Imagine the strength and confidence with which they travelled as they felt and witnessed the presence of their God. When they were faced with challenges and were confronted by an enemy too strong, see what God accomplished through His presence in Exodus 14: 16-20
“…But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.”
And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.”
It was God’s presence that gave unsurpassed victory as the God fought for His children. His presence was light and a wall of protection against the enemy. As your read the entire account in Exodus 14, you see how Pharaoh’s army was swept clean as feeble Israel celebrated their God-given victory.
1 Samuel 6:10-12 has an interesting account of what the presence of God will do in an individual’s life and family. Look at it prayerfully as you think about the brand new year that God has put a head of you.
“So David would not remove the ark of the LORD unto him into the city of David: but David carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite.
And the ark of the LORD continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite three months: and the LORD blessed Obededom, and all his household.
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness.”
The Ark of God signified God’s presence. There is nothing that will remain the same in the presence of God. His presence will bring hope in hopeless situations. It will bring light in dark times. It will instill courage and drive away fear. God’s presence will bring favor and fruitfulness.
The presence or absence of God will greatly determine how you will face this year. Your productivity will be linked to His presence. As you start this New Year, seek the presence of God. Delight in God. Purpose to go for God! The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (Psalms 34:7)
As your heart pants and desires to follow God this year, take a moment to read Psalm 24:3-6 and see how you can effectively remain in God’s umbrella.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.”
I would like to wish you a blessed 2015 full of God’s presence.