Overcoming Fear & Anxiety 預覽

Ask For God’s Presence.

The presence of God changes everything. It doesn’t just come and change a church service, a worship experience, or a prayer meeting; the presence of God can be found at any moment of any day and can shift our experience in that moment. Whether we’re washing dishes, sitting in a staff meeting, or waiting in the carpool line as we pick up kids from school, all it takes is inviting Him in. As Psalm 145:18 says, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him.” So why would we not call on Him to experience His nearness?

In Exodus 33, we see how desperate Moses is to keep the presence of God with him. In verse 15, he declares, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” In short, Moses says, if You’re not going, then I don’t want to go either. It’s not worth it. What good is it to go anywhere without God? Moses continues: “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?” (vv. 16-17).

The presence of God is what sets us apart from everyone else on earth, and everyone will see and know that we carry something different. Psalm 16:11 says that in His presence is the fullness of joy. In John 14, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you” and goes on to clarify that His peace is unlike anything else you will find in this world. Our hearts don’t have to be troubled and we don’t have to be afraid. His presence is all we need. He is able, willing, and ready to pour it out on us.

Moses follows up with God by not just declaring his desire for His presence, but by asking for it: “Show me your glorious presence” (Exodus 33:18). We can ask the same thing! We can turn to God and say, “I want what You have right now, in this moment.” He is faithful to meet us there.

Ask God for more of His presence each morning when you wake up and as you go throughout your day. Whenever you’re feeling low, depleted, or like you just want more of Him, close your eyes and remember He is as close as the mention of His name and receive all He has for you in that moment.