In His Presence

I heard a precious minister of the Gospel say a phrase like this: "I am easily discouraged...thank God it doesn't last long." I know of several people that get fired up to run with God, and it's only too soon that discouragement throws a bucket of water on that fire and the running turns to slipping.

I was talking to someone the other night. This person swings back and forth so fast. Runnin'-Slippin', Runnin',-Slippin'. Then they cry "I was doing so well! What happened?! I just can't do this! It is too hard!"

You know, I can't tell you how many places in the Word of God that speaks to everyone of those situations I mentioned. He is just not in discouragement! And may I be so bold to you and say, if your swinging back and forth in a situation, then your running from being in His presence to being in YOURS!

Let me explain. In His presence you are under His covering. It is a place that you can dwell and be in safety. A place that has communication flowing between you and God. A place where you hear Him and where you know He hears you. But when discouragement, or anxiety, or fear overcomes, then you have stepped out of His presence. Running back and forth is damaging to your walk with God. It will stunt your growth.

Take for instance 2 Chronicles 20:1-29. In this passage Jehoshaphat is the king over Judah and Jerusalem. War was coming against them and in alarm Jehoshaphat declared a fast over Judah. He went to the Lord and cried out in His presence. In fact all of Judah went into the presence of the Lord. Verse 13 says they, even the children, stood before the Lord. Then verse 14 says His Spirit came upon Jahaziel and spoke through him to not be afraid or discouraged because of the great army that is coming against them. He then gives them instructions and says: ¹⁷ "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " So they went out, praising God. The appointed leaders were singing, "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." As they were singing the Lord was setting up ambushes! Yes! They were in praise, and He was fighting for them! The armies that were coming against God's people were overtaken and fear swept the other nations, knowing that there is a covering over God's people!

What?! They went into His presence alarmed and came out praising and facing this fear!? YES! They did! They were in His presence! They stood in His presence! Rejoicing before they even saw, with their natural eyes, the battle won! That is His presence alright. When you can walk into a situation knowing in the spirit what the flesh can not see! Knowing you don't have to be discouraged or in fear! Walk in that today. Walk in His presence! Stand before Him and let Him overtake you!

Lord,

Thank you for being our contender. Thank you that we do not have to walk defeated. You overcame for us already. Help us to walk in that. Help us to rejoice in that! Thank you Jesus!

Jen