A Joyful Noise

An OT passage telling the Israelites about their future home says: “The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There.” (Ezekiel 48:35) Another prophet says: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the Lord.” (Zechariah 2:10)

In the NT, Jesus ends the great commission with “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) adding to what He’d already said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) The last book sums it up:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3–4)

The entire Bible gives assurance to the people of God this one answer to our fears and anxieties of facing life alone, or without help, or worse — without Him. He says, “I will be with thee” and did not need to say more. His presence guaranteed all our needs would be supplied. At the moment of this assurance, all fear vanishes and bold confidence returns.

For most of the week, it seemed God was far away. I’ve not had that sense for a long time, not since a classic book described His presence being like the air around me. Yesterday, I expressed this horrible feeling of being abandoned, a return to my biggest fear. I did not want to pray as it seemed He was not here to listen. My emotions were low, as if nothing mattered. I had asked what to do with my time in this new place — no answer. It seemed He was saying nothing.

Then I went to my usual Thursday time of prayer. One other person came and we talked about our burdens and as we did, that promise about “where two or three are gathered in my name” became a reality. The sense of His presence returned along with assurance that He had never left.

This seemed a ‘new Christian’ test, not for old timers like me, but it was a test — and a reminder that the foundations are always important. God’s eternal presence with His people is a foundation. I do not need His surprises or answers to prayer to know that He is always with me. Was I headed in that direction? Not sure, but certainly glad that this test didn’t last longer than it did.

What amazed me (again) is that I did not do anything to get from darkness back to light. God did that. My praying friend started talking about a mutual concern and did not say anything profound, but in the middle of it, the Lord seemed to fill the room with light and my heart with joy. Later, when I got home, an email came with some good news about a lost item being found. Then later, more news of a relative who had a stroke and was expected to die, but he is laughing and communicating with a whiteboard. More answered prayer.

PRAY: Jesus, Your presence first, then joy, then answered prayers and more joy. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) What more to say than to make a joyful noise to You with songs of praise!

God with me...

It is told that Billy Graham said if you are in a crowd yet feel lonely, it is God crooking His finger and saying, ‘Come here.’

I was alone for long stretches as a child. That feeling of being alone and the fear of being abandoned stuck with me until one day I read a book offering what to do about such fears. It said to go in a room by myself, consider the fear, and let it take over, all the while trusting God. At first I felt as if I would die because the fear was so intense. Then the presence of the Lord flooded the room. From that day, this fear is no longer an issue. Jesus defeated it.

The Word of God is filled with many statements and promises that affirm that experience. Before  Jesus was born, God said that the very name of His Son declares it: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23) In that culture, names were considered as a child’s character, so the very essence of who Jesus is described as the wonder of God Himself being with us!

He is with us when we gather to worship and pray: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Not only that, as I follow Him, He is with me and that will continue into eternity:

If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:26)
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:3)

Jesus even prayed for my presence with Him, that I would see what He is like and that the Father loves Him: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24)

Later, He affirmed to His apostle Paul that His presence would protect him: “For I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.” (Acts 18:10)

This promise has been claimed by many and fulfilled as their lives are threatened. It is also an anchor as I do His will concerning making disciples and teaching them what God has taught me. To that, Jesus adds, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

PRAY: Jesus whether the threats are from the outside, or I am feeling no one cares or understands, or am overwhelmed with tasks or sad news, or anything else, I know that You are with me. Without You, I would easily give in or give up. We are getting ready to move, and at my age fatigue easily discourages me, but Your presence makes such a difference. You are guiding me in ways that ease the physical challenges, and giving me ideas that overcome all uncertainties. That You are with me even in this is so incredible. Your presence makes life not only bearable but possible. I am so thankful, so very thankful.