In the Presence of God.

 In the Presence of God

A Reflection on Psalm 16:11, Exodus 33:14, and Revelation 21:3

In the presence of God—there is fullness of joy,

Not the fleeting happiness the world tries to employ.

It is the deep, abiding gladness that springs from knowing Him,

A river of delight that never, ever runs dim.

You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

In the presence of God, fear melts away.

The shadows that haunted, the terrors that held sway,

Dissolve like morning mist before the rising sun,

For where the Lord is, freedom has come and the battle is won.

In the presence of God, I am fully known—

Every thought, every motive, every seed I have sown.

Yet in that knowing, I am not condemned,

But loved and accepted, my spirit mended, my heart hemmed.

“My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

In the presence of God, I find my rest.

Not a passive slumber, but a peace that is blessed.

The rest of a child in a parent’s strong arms,

The rest that no circumstance threatens or harms.

There is no need to perform or pretend;

I can be still, and let my wounds mend.

For the One who sits upon the throne is also the slain Lamb,

And in His wounded side, I find the door to the great I AM.

“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)

So I linger in His presence—not rushing in and out,

But learning how to abide, to listen, to be without

The frantic noise of doing, the pressure of the clock.

In His presence, I am safe; in His presence, I am rock.

In the presence of God—my true address,

My place of healing, my soul’s caress.

Where I am changed from glory unto glory,

And my life becomes a living, breathing story of His grace.

Amen.