Then Moses said to him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from  here…..” Exodus 33:15

What a needed and solemn petition!

God’s presence, going with us! Such is the response of every true God fearing, Christ  loving heart. The believer has learned to understand the nature of God’s favour, to know the value of His presence, to test the wisdom of His guidance, and to experience the blessedness of the light of His countenance. And now, the one desire and prayer of his heart is, “Let Your presence go with me. Let it accompany me in all the chequered, changeful history of this year. May Your Presence….
counsel me in difficulty, soothe me in sickness, cheer me in solitude, keep me in danger, shield me in temptation, strengthen me in service, sustain me in suffering, and deliver me from evil.”

Let, then, the accompanying presence of God be the intense desire of your heart, and the principal
element of your Christian experience.  God’s conscious comforting presence has been the experience and the solace of His people in all ages and in all circumstances. David felt it in the cave.
Daniel in the lion’s den.  Jeremiah in the dungeon.  Jonah in the whale’s belly.  Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail, and John on the Island of Patmos. And why not you, O child beloved of God, in all the varied journeyings and trials and circumstances of your history? Earnestly covet this blessing: the sensible presence of God throughout your personal history.

Realize that, whatever the varied incidents and afflictions in your experience may be, you are not
alone, because your Father is with you. Live as in His continual atmosphere. His presence is promised, His help is pledged. “Lo! I am with you always.”
Aspire after the Psalmist’s enviable experience: “I am continually with You. You have held me
by my right hand. You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.”
Our safety alone is in nearness to the cross; is in walking in close communion with God, in the holy,
filial, happy enjoyment of His encircling presence.              Octavius Winslow

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Posted in Author-Octavius Winslow Believer`s Assurance / Peace / Hope by admin Comments Off on Beginning the Year with Jesus