Fluttering all around this time of year, we see frantic shoppers searching for that perfect present. For some, this season is all about the "present". However, I want to focus on another kind of present. Don't worry, I know it's the holiday and we all want everything wrapped up nicely with a big red bow - and believe me, the present I'm about to share with you is. This present is the gift that is always with you and is "present" in every circumstance.
It is present when you have your greatest fear. Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." Psalm 34:7
It is present when you are facing your greatest choices. Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Isaiah 30:21 "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
It is present when you are weary. Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Isaiah 40:28 "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable." John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
When you have your deepest grief, it is present. He is more present than your closest friend. He is in us in our troubled days. He is present even when we aren't - mentally. Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." He was a man of sorrows. Isaiah 53:3 "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." God beckons us into His loving arms so He can heal our wounded hearts.
And lastly, it is present when we sing out in praise. Psalm 100:2 "Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs." Psalm 95:2 "Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Psalm 71:23 "My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I whom you have delivered. Psalm 148:1-4 "Praise the Lord from the heavens; Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens!"
As for the Lord our God - He is present when we seek Him, present when we need Him and present when we praise Him - forever and always "present".
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