God is ever present with me;
at all times He goes before me.
I will not live in fear or abandon my calling
because He stands at my right hand. Psalm 16:8 The Voice
Unprecedented change is happening around each of us as I write this. Each of us is being touched in some way, shape or form by the Covid19 virus. The question is, how are you noticing God’s presence with you in the midst of all this change? And how is it affecting you?
I am sure you have heard the hand washing mantra. (I am singing happy birthday about my grandson, Jay, two times to be sure I am washing my hands long enough.) I am cognizant of the zillion times I touch my face. Who knew? And on the news, some new and different information comes on each day or even hourly if you let it in.
God is ever present with you
This verse 8 in Psalm 16 is part of a bigger prayer that gives a glimpse of how to steer in the midst of rapid change and uneasiness. I would encourage you to go to the whole Psalm 16 to read it. However, this one verse scriptural prayer can be your anchor to return to again and again. It is your weapon against fear. You will able see opportunities around you and give God your fears and anxieties.
You are not alone
God promises to be ever present with you. No matter the swirl of events, nor the possible loneliness of illness or quarantine, God is ever present. Where will you notice Him? How can you remember He is present?
We have talked before about breath prayer. Taking a moment to breathe in “God is” and breathe out “present now.” can remind you that you are not alone as well as calm the brain and anxiety you are feeling by those deep breathes. Win, win for you and your body.
God goes before you
In the scripture, you can be assured that God is going ahead of you. The path may not be clear nor easy but He is going ahead. St Patrick of Ireland, when going into battle had this prayer on his shield: You may feel like you are going into battle, too.
Christ with me
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me.
Christ beneath me
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ where I like, Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise.
Amen
So God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are present and leading the way during these turbulent, battle-like times.
You don’t have to live in fear
Because you are not alone, you do not have to let fear run circles around you. An acronym I heard for fear once was, false evidence appearing real. You can take your fears to God and leave them with Him, even if that happens several times a day. He wants to exchange your fear for His peace. He will keep you in perfect peace, those who eyes are on Him..
You don’t have to abandon your calling
Now is the time that you can see where He is working and where you might join Him. If you are more at home, how can you use the time? Can you reach out to others and share encouragements online perhaps? What is God asking of you as opportunities to fill your own cup as well as others in new ways?
You can do these things because He stands at your right hand
Close your eyes a moment. Now visualize Jesus standing at your right hand. Take a few moments to let that scene wash over you.
How does knowing that He is at your right hand make a difference in your life?
God is ever present with you
I am finding when my own anxiety starts to rise, I need to pause…… I am to do my breath prayer, remember God is ever present with me and give all my feelings and thoughts over to Him.
I then ask, What’s my next step God? Lately, that answer has been, Just rest, Nancy. I’ve got this.
How is God present with you, now?
Take five minutes with a journal if possible and ask God, how are you present with me now? I am betting you will hear or notice something. Keep listening and leaning into Him.
Let me pray for you.
Dear Jesus,
You know what each of us faces. You promise to be ever present with us. Thank you that we don’t have to live in fear. Help each of us keep our eyes on you. May we see you standing at our right hand.
Amen
I would be happy to pray for your specific requests. Reply back to this email or share this post with others who need the encouragement that God is Ever Present now.
Nancy Booth wants to create safe spaces for you, helping you find ways to have two-way conversations with God. She loves encouraging you to look for ways He is at work. Nancy is a spiritual director and writer. She would love to accompany you on your journey of discovery to hear and see more of the God who delights in you. Peace, hope and freedom could be yours Contact her today..
Editor’s note: The Enneagram series will continue next week. Addressing fear and God’s presence came to the top this week. The Growing from the Inside Out An Enneagram Journey has been moved to June 13th. Stay tuned for more information.