The mystery of God's presence

What do you do when you go through pain, grief, heartbreak, disappointment or any other form of emotion that crushes you?

While some of us choose to share with a friend, counsellor or pastor, some of us equally tend to withdraw and close the world out. The latter choice can be explained by the notion that nobody understands and it is true, nobody might really understand what you are going through because every experience is unique. The former choice on the other hand works with the notion that if you share with someone, they might help or just listen to you.

In the world we live in, particularly during the pandemic season, many people have experienced losses in several ways - job loss, loss of loved ones, loss of money, etc. All these are not new challenges but at the height of a pandemic, people are quite sensitive and in most cases scared or uncertain.

Today, I want us to look at an additional choice we can make when going through a valley - the presence of God. Yes, you read that right, God's presence. During difficult times, many of us would want to distance themselves from God because in a way we feel like "He let you down" and this mostly happens when you had trusted God to shift things in a certain way but it didn't happen as you anticipated. I acknowledge that it indeed can be painful and I empathize with all those who have gone through such a situation. As I write this, I pray that the healing and comforting peace of Jesus will reach you where it hurts most.

Daniel who was later given the name Belteshazzar in Daniel 1:6-7, was a man devout to God. He faithfully prayed 3 times a day (Daniel 6:10) and followed the ways of God despite being in a foreign land where they worshipped idols. You would think that with His devotion to God, nothing bad could happen to him- after all, things seemed to be going well for him because he held the position of Administrator and had found favour with the king (Daniel 6: 1-3). As you read through the book of Daniel, you discover that some people who envied him found way to have him thrown into the den of lions and this becomes my area of focus. I want us to read about how Daniel responded when the King came to check if he was still alive. He said in Daniel 6:22, My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” Daniel was right in the middle of a very difficult situation but guess what, God met him right there. Realize that the lions did not miraculously disappear. They were right there with him but do you know who else was there, God, through His angel. God came to Daniel in his distress and saved him. The presence of the Lord caused the lions not to harm Daniel.

Today, you may be in the den of lions and they keep moving around finding a way to attack you. The "lions" can be represented by thoughts of fear, regret or pain that are trying to get to you. I have some good news, the presence of God can silence all those lions and they will have their mouths shut in a flash. Have you hardened your heart that God cannot come in? I encourage you to speak these words after me, "Father, my heart is in pain, I am confused and hurt. Today I ask you to come in and shut the mouths of the lions around and within me. Forgive me for trying to do it on my own. Today Father, I surrender. Come Lord, Come and heal me in Jesus Name," Amen. If you have made this prayer, I join with you in faith to believe that God is beginning to heal you.

Verses to meditate on:

Psalms 34:18: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 91: 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 121: I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Songs you can listen to:

Nothing like your presence by William McDowell ft. Travis Greene & Nathaniel Bassey

You Hold It All Together - Maverick City Music x UPPERROOM

Blessings – Laura Story

Lord, I need you – Chris Tomlin

Patakatifu Pako – Eric Smith

God on the mountain – Lynda Randle

One day a time - Lynda Randle

Zaidi na Zaidi – Eunice Njeri

Your presence is heaven – Israel Houghton

God of all my days – Casting Crowns

My heart will trust in you – Hillsong