Daily EncouragementSample

The greatest source of strength and encouragement for the servant of the Lord is the assurance of his presence. “Would you like me to tell you what supported me through all the years of exile among people whose language I could not understand and whose attitude towards me was always uncertain and often hostile?” asked David Livingstone of a university audience. Then he answered his own question: “It was this, ‘Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ On these words I staked everything and they never failed.”

This promise is a reply to Moses. How often the Lord answered the fears and aspirations of his servants by the promise of his personal presence. It is enough, and it is essential. “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Ex. 33:15).

The distinguishing mark of the people of God is ultimately the Lords’ presence with them. “What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:16). In the assurance of it lies true rest and the reality of it elicits testimony from the world: “God is with you in everything you do” (Gen. 21:22).