By Bob Weber | Tuesday, May 8, 2018 | 9:29 AM
The LORD saved me from death; he stopped my tears and kept me from defeat. And so I walk in the presence of the LORD in the world of the living. I kept on believing, even when I said, "I am completely crushed," even when I was afraid and said, "No one can be trusted." Psalm 116:8-11 (TEV)
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6 (NLT2)
What does walking in the presence of the Lord look like? When I see opportunity to join God in someone's life it is easy for me to sense His presence and look to Him for what to say or do. But what about when I am completely crushed? What about when I am afraid? Doesn't that mean I am missing God? In truth, these difficult times are no different than any other time.
God's presence is always with us once we belong to Him. He saves us from death and we remain victorious over sin for eternity. Sin can overtake us while we still have our sinful nature, but it can never own us. All kinds of things can come in and crush us. All kinds of situations can cause us to fear. Even so, God is still with us. We still walk with Him in the world of the living.
I don't keep believing in God because He keeps negative things out of my life. I keep believing in God because I walk among the living when negative things come into my life. In tough times I look for God where I know I can find Him: In His Word and in His People! The living Word and those who are alive in Christ - This is the world of the living here on earth.
So if you are facing difficulty today, know that you are not alone. We who are saved stand with you! Keep believing in God! He hasn't gone anywhere and neither have we!