Genesis 28.16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.
This is that incredible chapter where Jacob experiences the ladder that joins heaven and earth. A picture, of course, of Jesus Christ, The One Mediator between God and man. Much like so many of God’s people, Jacob was unaware of the presence of God until he saw a supernatural manifestation of His presence. How tragic it is when the twice born children of God walk by sight instead of by faith. How many fears would be dispelled if we grasped with our hearts the truth of the promise of The Master, I will be with you always.
Beloved, God Almighty is omnipresent. He is everywhere at the same time. There is no escaping His presence. As we read in Psalm 139, If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
There is a great need for the people of God to renew their minds according to God’s Word in regard to the presence of God. Paul told the pagan Athenians that in Him we live, and move and have our being. The presence of God is both unavoidable and inescapable. He is here with me as I write this devotional. And He is there with you as you read it. God is in this place turning despair into delight. Worry into worship. Fear into faith. Horror into hope. While I understand why the disciples were discouraged when Jesus said He was leaving them. I need to remember that Jesus also said that it was necessary, or to our advantage that He go to The Father, because The Spirit of God would be sent in His place.
May God write upon our hearts the vital truth that God is in this place. God is doing something right now. God never retreats. He is never stationary. He lives, He moves, He creates, He molds, He runs His universe in a most incredible and astounding way. Wake up out of your sleep of despair and gloom, dear ones. God is in this place, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Praise Him!
Amen!