The Powerful Promise of His Presence

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

-THIS SUNDAY'S TEXT- Powerful Promised Presence

Being alone can be a difficult position for anyone. Accomplishing difficult tasks alone, battling an illness alone, undergoing persecution alone can be even harder. Jesus left His disciples with what seemed to be an overwhelming command – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is quite the task, especially the last part.

I can imagine all the questions, fears, debates, frustrations, and doubts that would arise if Jesus had not followed up His command with His precious promise – “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The fulfillment of such a daunting task demands this faithful promise, the promise of the powerful presence of God.

While pondering this command and promise, I was reminded of the first chapter of Joshua. Read Joshua 1. To take a large group of people anywhere is often a challenging task. Someone gets lost, another gets left behind, others don’t want to go and make it well known, the leader makes a wrong turn, the journey is too long, movement is too slow, and on and on it goes.

Can you imagine leading a nation across the Jordan to battle other nations and take over a land? This was quite a task, for the Lord tells Joshua 3 times in chapter 1 “be strong and courageous.” The Lord tells him “do not be frightened and do not be dismayed.” But I believe Joshua’s greatest comfort was found not in these commands, but in the promise. The Lord promised Joshua, saying – “I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” And in verse 9 the Lord promised – “for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Psalm 139 is surely on the mind.

Following the command to go was the Lord’s promise to go with. It was the Lord’s promise to Joshua; it was the Lord’s promise to His disciples; it is the Lord’s promise to Christ followers today.

I have found the fulfillment of this promise – the presence of the Lord, to be the only comfort, wisdom, and strength for me in my most difficult moments of life. Oh how sweet it is to rest in the powerful, caring hands of the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of weakness and difficulty. How sweet it is to know nothing but the comfort of the Lord? No distractions, just peace in the hands of our Lord!

Lord, I don’t know the answer to… Lord, I do not know what tomorrow will hold. Lord, I do not understand why… Lord, I do not see the way out of or through… Lord, I do not know what we should do about… Lord, I don't know how much more... I can take. Lord, I do not know how I will survive…

But Lord, the one thing I know, and it is more than enough, it is amazingly wonderful - You are with me.

The following passages will be helpful in preparation for this Sunday’s sermon:

John 14:15-26 Ezekiel 36:22-27 Acts 4:23-31 Romans 8:18-30

-PRAYER & THANKSGIVING- Take some time to be still before the Lord. Find a quiet place to read His Word and listen to the Lord. Take some time to let your requests be made known to God. Humble yourself before the Lord, casting all your cares upon Him, remembering that He cares for you.

-River's Edge- Tomorrow is Tuesday Troopers. We will meet at The River at 9:00am. We will be going to Summit Bible Church and working with Jon on the church facility. We will be cleaning and painting, so dress accordingly. After we eat lunch in Summit, it is our goal to be back at The River at 12:30. Bring your mask and something to drink.