The Importance of the Presence of the Lord

In the book of Exodus 33, there we meet God and Moses having a conversation. God tells Moses, at the beginning of the chapter, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people, and I might destroy you on the way.”

To paint a picture for this scene, this is after God had brought heavy plagues on Egypt, to punish Pharaoh and his people for the slavery of Israelites. Moses has witnessed God bring pain, suffering and even death to the land of Egypt. God had drowned the Egyptian armies in the Red Sea when they were pursuing the Israelites to put them back into slavery. In the wilderness, God had also not spared the Israelites who had revolted against Him. Time and time again He would bring destruction upon them when they had done contrary to His will. He would swiftly and severely punish their wrong doings. Those who had worshipped the golden calf were put to death and none was spared, there had even been snakes biting them and killing them within this same journey. And now, God has realized that if He continues walking with these people, He will destroy them. He will end the nation of Israel. However, as a promise He made to Abraham and the forefathers, He is willing to send His angel to go before them, and drive out the inhabitants of the promised land, and prepare it for the Israelites to come and take over. I mean what a wonderful God, He knows how “stiff-necked” these people are but is still willing to make good on His promises. He also recognizes how hot His wrath burns and wants to spare the Israelites from destruction by removing His presence from them. And Moses understood the power of God perfectly.

But then throughout the conversation, Moses introduces a new dimension, he makes a strange bargain, he pleads the case for the Israelites differently. Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Moses is saying that beyond the blessing, the assurance, the delivery of the promise to the forefathers, beyond the end goal, the go-ahead, there is something much more important. The Presence of the Lord. He is ready to abandon the blessing if God’s presence does not accompany them into it. He says that they would rather not be removed from that wilderness, where they are suffering and in lack and groaning and complaining but are in God’s Presence. He prefers the wilderness in the presence of the Lord over walking by their own understanding into the blessing prepared for them. He acknowledges that the presence of the Lord is what will distinguish them from all the other nations of the world. He is willing to risk God destroying them along the way due to their shortcomings just so that God can lead them, can accompany them, can order their steps into the blessing already promised and prepared for them.

Daily Life Relation

When we look at our lives, do we follow this example of Moses? As we make supplications to God, as we make our requests known to Him, and we present our needs, our prayers to him. What happens after He has given us the go-ahead? What happens after He has showed us the green light? What happens after He tells us that He will send His angel to prepare success ahead of us? Do we still go back and invite His presence to journey with us? To accompany us as we go on to achieve the blessing he has ordained for us, that He has prepared for us.

Look around in the various sectors of our lives: in school, in career, in families, in relationships, in ministry, in businesses and many other aspects of our lives. Do we abide by the call from the book of Proverbs 3:5 - 6 which says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Do we go back to enquire unto the Lord, for guidance, for protection, for sustenance, for provision on how to navigate the journey to the blessing He has prepared for us? Or do we now see ourselves as self-sufficient, and able to achieve it our own efforts? Do we then tell God to step aside and let us lead ourselves to the blessing just because it has been promised to us? Is there room for God to order our steps to bring the work that He begins in us to completion.

Take the example of Manoah, the father of Samson as found in the book of Judges 13:1 - 13. The couple had been childless for a while, but then the angel of the Lord appears to the mother with news that they will get a son. The father does not see this as an opportunity to now delight in answered prayer, he is thankful for it, but most importantly he prays that the Lord send back the same angel to give clear instructions on how the sone, that they have been promised will be raised. He is submitting the blessing back to God, for Him to nurture it, for Him to direct their paths. He looks beyond God providing what they were praying for and wants God to help them manage that which He is giving to them.

How does the Presence of the Lord Manifest?

• Guidance: Feeling a sense of direction, peace, and clarity in decision-making.
• Comfort: Experiencing solace, reassurance, and hope in times of uncertainty or hardship.
• Empowerment: Sensing God's strength, courage, and wisdom in overcoming challenges.
• Transformation: Noticing personal growth, changed perspectives, and a deeper sense of purpose.
• Peace: Enjoying an unexplainable calm, serenity, and stillness amidst life's storms.
• Joy: Feeling a deep-seated happiness, contentment, and delight in God's goodness.
• Provision: Witnessing God's supply, support, and care in meeting needs.
• Protection: Experiencing God's shielding, defense, and deliverance from harm.
• Wisdom: Receiving insight, understanding, and discernment in navigating life's complexities.
• Fellowship: Enjoying a sense of communion, connection, and intimacy with God.

In our daily lives, God's presence may manifest as:

• A gentle nudge or whisper in our hearts
• A sense of calm or peace in chaotic situations
• Unexplained coincidences or provision
• Sudden insights or clarity in decision-making
• A deep sense of joy or contentment
• Unwavering hope or strength in adversity

Remember, God's presence is not limited to these experiences and may manifest in ways unique to each individual. By seeking God's presence and guidance, we can deepen our relationship with Him and live a life that reflects His love and grace.

How to Invite God’s Presence

• Prayer: Praying is always an effective way to let God know of your circumstances, and to invite Him to direct you towards doing His Will.
• Reading the Bible: When we read God’s Word, we get to learn more about Him, be transformed by it, and walk in His wisdom, in the light of His path.
• Practice mindfulness and awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, and invite God into each moment.
• Listen for His whisper: Cultivate a sense of inner stillness and listen for God's gentle guidance and prompts.
• Worship and praise: Regularly express gratitude and adoration to God, acknowledging His presence and goodness.
• Seek community: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your spiritual journey.
• Embrace humility and surrender: Recognize your limitations and surrender your will to God's, acknowledging that His ways are higher than yours.
• Practice spiritual disciplines: Engage in activities like fasting, journaling, or meditation to deepen your connection with God.
• Trust and obey: Step out in faith, trusting God's guidance and obeying His prompts, even when uncertain.
• Celebrate His presence: Acknowledge and celebrate the ways God shows up in your life, no matter how small they may seem.
• Seek His counsel: Ask God for wisdom and guidance in decision-making and seek His perspective on life's challenges.
• Rest in His love: Remember that God's presence is a constant, and rest in the knowledge of His unwavering love and acceptance.

Remember, inviting God's presence is an ongoing, moment-by-moment choice. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you'll become more aware of His guidance and presence.