"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:7-10
Scrolling on my Facebook feed one morning, I watched the video of a pastor of a large church in Tennessee. In the video, his daughter wanted to surprise the congregation with something special that Sunday morning. The pastor, trusting his daughter, allowed her to forge ahead with this surprise. When he walked into the church building on Sunday morning, he found several little Jesus figurines strategically placed all around the church. These four-inch plastic figurines of Jesus, adorned in a white robe and sandals, were placed on the top of each door frame, in the sanctuary, on the pulpit, and even on the sink in each bathroom. When the pastor asked his daughter what the reason was behind placing all these figurines around the church, she said, “to remind the church we all need a little Jesus in our lives.” Because of his video, many congregation members purchased little Jesus figurines for themselves. They used them as a reminder of Jesus's presence in their lives.
When life is going well, it's easy for us to forget Jesus is with us. Jesus longs to be with us, and He longs to have intimacy with us. He wants us to express gratitude during the times when we see His blessings. He wants us to cry out to Him when we are fearful or sad. No matter what our circumstances in life dictate, He wants us to be aware He is present with us. There is nothing we can say or do that will make God flee from our presence.
David, who penned the Book of Psalms, understood this all too well. Not only did he give glory to God when God exalted him from his position of a lowly shepherd boy to a higher position as king, but he also turned his heart back to God during his failure with Bathsheba (and her husband’s murder as well). There is no part of David's life when Jesus was not present with him. When we believe that our behavior can distance us from an ever-present Savior, we believe the lie that Christ's death on the cross was not sufficient for our sin.
No matter where you are in life, turn your heart to God. Give gratitude when you see His blessings. In a difficult season where hardships or persecution prevail, let Jesus reveal His presence to you in small but mighty ways. As the pastor said, we need to be reminded that we all need a little Jesus in our everyday lives. If it's been a long time, open your Bible and read about God's love for you. Pray and pour out your heart to Him.
Even if it's been a while since you've prayed, Jesus is waiting to hear from you. God is outside the limits of space and time. Therefore, there is no deadline or time frame within which you can't turn back to God. Bask in His presence today. Allow His presence to become evident to you as you go throughout your week. Notice Him in the beauty of creation. Notice him in the kindness of co-workers or strangers. Emulate Jesus as you extend the same kindness and grace you received this week to others. Forgive those who have wronged you; be a blessing to those around you. With some perseverance, your life will be evidence of God's presence. Soon, there will be no further need for a little four-inch figurine; your life will bear witness to His presence every day.
Jesus, demonstrate your presence to us in everything we do. Help us to become more in tune with your Spirit. Allow your Holy Spirit to pinpoint everyday activities where you are present. Allow us to acknowledge you in good times and in bad. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/DedMityay
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Friday, 15 March 2024.
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