In His Presence

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

It was an amazing time we had at the Ellel Prayer Task Force in Scotland. George Otis Jr. spoke passionately on God’s revival and transformation of society. In a general survey conducted among the youth in America, a conclusion is drawn that the younger generation is not attracted to the Church is because the presence of God is not evident in churches today!

It seems like a harsh statement, but if we are honest with ourselves, we must say that there is much truth to it. What does it mean to have God’s presence in our midst? To a battered, frightened and wandering Israel, the presence of God means to experience rest. Rest not from action or work, but rest from depending on their own understanding and device. Today, the world is looking for answers as well. No longer the world, and more so, the younger generation is satisfied with words, programs or one liner answer, like “Jesus is the answer” which does not bring actual freedom or solution. They need something real. Something that satisfies. It cannot be achieved by our hard work alone. It cannot be accomplished with well thought through program. We need to usher in the presence of God.

The presence of God brings rest from our own work, so that we can depend on His finished work. His presence brings freedom, healing and restoration because these on His heart for us. His presence sheds light on our sometimes muddied circumstances. His presence enables us to rest on the confidence that He carries our burden and does all things well.

As God’s Church, it is not an option for us not to pursue His presence in our lives. The challenges in today’s world must drive us to a desperate place as was with Moses when he said, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” (Exodus 33:15) Let us make this our constant prayer, not out of a lack of confidence or faith, but out of a total dependence on God.