Recently, I walked into a situation where a woman was facing the possibility of her husband's death. There was chaos, noise, and about 30 people present, but all of those people were focused on her husband, not her. Two of us escorted her to a quiet place. The other person had to leave, and then...it was us....and silence. Here I was with a stranger, in likely one of, if not the most life altering moments in her life. I thought of all I could say or offer to do, and all I said was "I'm here." She begin to weep and she said "Thank you so much." As quickly as the moment began, it was over. She was beckoned away and I moved forward with my day. This moment was a reminder of the ministry of presence, a ministry God demonstrates daily in our lives.
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
Psalms 139:7-10, NKJV
This passage of scripture makes it clear that there is no physical or emotional place that we can go to escape the presence of God. When life makes us feel as though we're on cloud nine, He is with us. When sadness and disappointment create a darkness that seems to hide us from the world, He is there. When the next step in life requires a journey outside of the proverbial "box", He is there.
The ministry of presence brings both comfort and challenge. Comfort comes with knowing that no matter what lies ahead, God is present. Even in the absence of people. The challenge lies in the reality of the requirement to do "it." Regardless if "it" means facing the death of a loved one or pursuing the opportunity of a lifetime. God knows and cares about where we are and what we face. He is a loving God that understands our hearts in a way that no human can. This truth provides the strength to do "it" with forward progress, so that we don't become stagnant and complacent.
God's ministry of presence does not guarantee the absence of trials and difficulties. His presence is however, loaded with benefits.
You lead me in the path of life; I experience absolute joy in your presence; you always give me sheer delight.
Psalms 16:11
Then he told them, "Go, eat rich foods, drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who cannot provide for themselves. Today is a holy day for the Lord. Don't be sad because the joy you have in the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
Based on these two passages of scripture, it is determined to be true that....
The presence of God brings joy, and joy brings strength. Therefore, the presence of God provides strength, just as Psalms 46:1 reminds us.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
The ministry of presence is the availability to provide love, comfort and support with little to no words at all. Me saying "I'm here" to a complete stranger did not remove the reality of her situation. My prayer, is that it provided a moment of comfort as she prepared to move forward to handle the untimely death of her husband.
God promises that he will never leave us or forsake us. Regardless of what life brings, He will always be there, providing love, comfort, and support; sometimes with little to no words at all. His presence is all the strength that's needed to do "it", to move forward, because after all, there's a prize to attain.
Brothers and sisters, I can't consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don't look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God's heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
For Reflection:
1.Take a moment to remember one time of being comforted by God.
2. What are some of the benefits of God's presence?
3. How can I operate in the ministry of presence?
Scriptures:
Psalms 139:7-10
Psalms 16:11
Nehemiah 8:10
Psalms 46:1
Philippians 3:13-14
Such encouraging insight!