“I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
“You make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.”
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.” Psalm 16:8-11; 21:6; 23:1-6
“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'” Revelation 21:1-4
God’s presence with us is abiding as it is real, palpable at times, sure all times. In this life we live by promise, in faith that He is nigh and ever-present by His Spirit. And one day, that wondrous Day, we will behold Him face to face and enter into His tangible, glorious presence forever. As we become more and more familiar with Him, aware of His might, His keeping, His watchful eye, His tender keeping, we will know His joy, strength, and glory. (1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; 1 John 3:2)
How am I making a practice of His presence now, and what joy ensues? In every awaking, turn of a day, setting out, work of service, or decision, how do I include my heavenly Companion? We can begin by offering Him our resources and time, asking His guidance on our work. We can endeavor to maintain ongoing, adoring communion. We can serve and interact in obedience, and with love. We can thank Him at the end of every day for the privileges afforded us, the blessing of purposeful hours, rich relationships, and the deep joy of life in Him.
In seasons of great accomplishment or famine of hope, strain or ease, doubt or sorrow, have I known His song of joy because He walks beside me? With whom will I sing, and share the delights of this fellowship? (Psalm 30:5)
Lord, keep living in Your presence my chief desire, praising You my highest joy, and spreading Your love my deepest delight. (Psalm 27:4-6)
As the rain and snow 