God's promise of his presence!

Exodus 29:45-46
"And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God."

In this passage of scripture, God is making one of his many precious promises. He gives the children of Israel assurance that he will dwell amongst them. They shall not fear anything because God's comforting presence is a reminder of who he is and how he delivered them from bondage.

Today's devotional has been very encouraging to me, and I pray that it encourages you also. It is a reminder that my God will never leave or forsake me. He promises that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. He promises to lift the standard when the enemy comes against me. I am exceedingly glad for this particular season of my life. I would never know that God is a deliverer unless he delivered me from a land of bondage, a land that held me captive and denied my free existence. I know what it's like to live in a land where taskmasters take great pride in burdening the people of God physically, emotionally, and financially. I know what it's like to live in a land where I've been afflicted; yet, I still multiplied. I would never know that God could comfort me with his presence unless I experienced what it feels to be abandoned and rejected. I listened to Cindy Trimm make a simple, but powerful statement I will paraphrase. When others reject you, don't cry. Say goodbye and throw yourself a going away party!

It is easy to look for validation, affirmation and confirmation from others. However, I encourage you today to simply look for God's presence. In His presence is fullness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Isn't it exciting to know that he is looking to be found by you? "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). I remember playing Hide and Seek as a child and always thinking of the best location to hide. I would often find the places that people would never think of and stay hidden for a long period of time. It was almost like I was daring the person to sneak up on me and find my hiding spot!

Well, here is a challenge for you. Since God is omnipresent, we know that he is everywhere. Why is it hard for you to find him? Why is it hard for you to hear from him on a daily basis? When was the last time you are confident that he spoke to you? It is easy to hear everyone else's voice, but have you heard clearly from God lately? He is not hiding behind a tree to purposely avoid you. He has made himself readily available to you - for you to call on him and for you to hear from him.

Take advantage of his presence through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2); through his word (Jeremiah 15:16), through his still small voice (1 Kings 19:12); and through the various ways he communicates with you. He is present, and if you can't find him, it's not because He is hiding. Maybe you are! (Genesis 3:9)