During the Wednesday night prayer meeting we discussed the presence of Jesus in the Christian. The following is a summary of what we talked about.

“The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16) The Lord is always present with His children. He promises to never leave nor forsake us. The apostle is not suggesting the Lord will abandon Christians. Paul’s benediction addresses the Christian’s recognition of His presence that he might rejoice in the many benefits received from God’s presence.

The Christians enjoys the presence of God by reminding himself that God never leaves His children. Experience the presence of God is an intentional consideration of the constant presence of our Savior, a conscious desire to do all for the Lord, a regular mediation on the Word of God, and a perpetual praying without ceasing. Knowing the presence of God is doing all things, even eating and drinking, for the glory of God. You will enjoy the blessings of the presence of God when you iving in the realization that He is actually present with you at all times.

The presence of God is evident in the effects He produces in your life. You can be assured of His active presence in you when you see the results at work in you. The planet Neptune was found because of unexplained deviations in the orbit of Uranus. Though the planet was not seen its effects were evident. Neptune’s effects led scientists to search for and discover the eighth planet. Likewise, we know the presence of God when we see the effects of His presence on our lives.

The presence of God gives comfort. Because God promises to never leave and never forsake His children, we need not fear what men can do. The Lord is “a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) Those who know the presence of the Lord will know His help in times of fear. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

The presence of God gives contentment. When we know God is with us we will not covet the things of this world. We will realize how much greater God’s glory is than any treasure of this earth. God’s presence becomes our sufficiency and satisfies our every need. (Hebrews 13:5)

The presence of God gives calmness of spirit. God is a God of peace. When He is near His presence gives peace. When we have peace in troubled times we know He is present within us. The God of peace soothes hearts and minds troubled by the evils of this world. (John 16:33)

The presence of God gives spiritual strength by His Holy Spirit. The God who dwells within us enables the afflicted to endure and rejoice in their affliction. Those who know the presence of God know God’s strength is perfected in their weakness. This strength gives the believer patience, endurance and joy because Jesus dwells in his heart. (Ephesians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Colossians 1:11)

The presence of God does not eliminate trouble, nor does it ensure deliverance from all earthly tribulations. The presence of God secures His child through all troubles to ensure he will enter heaven. The presence of God will strengthen you to serve Him with faithfulness and joy no matter what difficulties arise. Let us all practice the presence of God that we may see these same blessings evident in our church.