His Wonderful Presence

Last Friday morning, a phone call brought the news that Dad's surgeon had found an additional mass in his abdomen that he could not remove due to its location around his main arteries. While conclusive tests are not yet done, he offered his opinion that the tumor was treatable, but not likely curable. Coming at the end of a week in which the flu had weakened me physically, when important leadership issues are demanding greater efforts in my service as a Pastor; this news was just too much. I was temporarily overcome with despair. When I visited Dad's hospital room later that day I actually collapsed from the strain.

The entire day was full of inner struggles with faith, with questions for the Lord. Later that night, I drifted into a restless sleep, and awakened to prayer on Sat. morning 'round 2; not pleasant praise filled prayer, either. But, when we are faithless, He is faithful. At 4 am, the Lord showed up in my bedroom, with an indescribable comfort. He didn't tell me that Dad would be healed though that would be a wonderful development! He didn't tell promise me that a donor was about to send the church a $50,000 check. Yes, that too, would be a most welcome blessing! He gave me the Gift of Presence! In my heart I heard Him say, "Your Dad, the church, and you, Jerry, are held in the palm of my hand." I knew that already, but there are differing ways to 'know' truth, and I came to 'know' it in a new way! The Presence of the Lord made the difference.

Tom Edmunds, a dear friend who preached at the Assembly yesterday, took his text from Matthew's Gospel, from a story set in the context of the experiences of those who were Believers in the days immediately following the Resurrection. Despite the good news not everyone was comforted. We read, "When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!" (Matthew 28:17, NLT) Tom then continued by noting the response of the Risen Lord to the doubters. He did not berate, nor did he condemn them. Instead, He "came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ... I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-21, NLT) The promise of His Presence gave them the strength they needed! Every difficult experience is easier to endure when we have someone to share the burden. And no one bears the load like the Lord, if we wait on Him and let Him come near.

So, how can we live in His wonderful Presence?

Make the decision to Trust Him. Faith is both a gift from God and a choice we make. If we allow ourselves to be bitter, if we lash out and blame God, we cut ourselves off from the very One who can comfort us in our time of need. The ancient story of Job is a model for this. Job felt his pain, did not deny his sorrow, but he chose to trust God.

Wait, patiently, for the Lord. He allows us to walk in the dark for a time, but He is never far away, nor has He forgotten us. The Psalmist says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him." (37.7) That is a discipline we must learn if we want to know His Presence.

Reject temptation to sin in ways that provide temporary soothing of the soul! The Tempter is quick to exploit our pain and the appetites of the sinful nature grow stronger when our spirits weaken. Gluttony, lust, materialism - and more - take on new luster when we are hurting. The tragedy is that when we sin, guilt only increases our sense of distance from our Heavenly Father. Surround yourself with people who will urge you to do the right things when the storm is raging.

Worship- individually and with others! Yes, offer the sacrifices of praise to God. No, you don't have to insincerely say things you do not mean. You do not have to thank for the pain. Thank Him for Who He is, for What He has done in the past, for the promises you find about Him in His Word. One of the best hours in the past week was Sunday's worship service with God's people. The formal rituals and songs were like a salve for my soul, renewing my hope.

Here's a word from the Word. Take it with you today.
"The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell— that’s not my destination! Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way." (Psalm 16:7-11, The Message)