How God Reveals His Presence
Bible Readings
- Psalms 16:7-9 - I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
- 2 Samuel 12:1-7 - And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
- Psalms 1:2 - But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
- Psalms 119:99 - I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
If you have never experienced God’s presence in a special way, you may wonder how He reveals Himself to believers. Our Heavenly Father has various ways of drawing near to His children: • *God speaks*. We may not physically hear the Lord’s voice, but He still speaks clearly and powerfully to our hearts. His message can be so distinct that people who experience it remember those words and the joy they felt for a long time. • *God sends a message*. Sometimes the Lord speaks to us through another person. King David received God’s correction through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1–7). Today, God may also guide us through a sermon or in a conversation with a wise friend. It is not right to ignore such guidance — because the message is given at God’s appointed time. • *God shows His presence through His Word.* The Lord speaks to us through the pages of Holy Scripture. As we meditate on His Word, God continues to show us new truths and insights (Psalms 1:2; Psalms 119:99). The Lord is real and active in this world. He wants to share Himself with us to increase our contentment, courage, and joy that comes from His presence. But we must be willing to slow down and listen carefully to understand what He is saying.
🤔 Reflection
How can you better recognize God speaking to you in different ways, and what will you do to listen more attentively?
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