#18 THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST 8-22-26
There is a precious truth that can transform the way we live every day: Jesus is with us. Christianity is not merely believing facts about Christ, remembering what He did in the past, or looking forward to being with Him in heaven. It is walking with Him now. He walks with us through the ordinary moments of life. He is not a distant Savior, but an intimate Friend. He is the Friend of sinners, the One who came near to the broken, the lonely, the struggling, and the guilty. We can live every day consciously aware of His presence. He is closer than we realize.
HIS PRESENCE
The first blessing is His presence. Jesus promised His disciples, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). That promise was not merely for the apostles. It is the comfort of every believer. When we wake in the morning, Christ is there. When we walk through the responsibilities of the day, Christ is there. When we are troubled, He is there. When nobody else understands, He is there.
Think about the wonder of that truth. The One who calmed the storm walks with us through our storms. The One who healed lepers is not afraid to come near us in our weakness. The One who forgave sinners still receives us when we come to Him. He calls us friends (John 15:15). We do not have to live as though we are abandoned.
The Christian life becomes sweeter when we stop merely thinking about Christ and begin consciously walking with Christ. Before we make a decision, we can remember that He is there. Before we speak, we can remember that He hears. When temptation comes, we can remember that we are not alone. His presence changes the way we live.
HIS POWER
But His presence is accompanied by His power. Jesus does not merely walk beside us as a helpless companion. He is the risen Lord. He has “all authority” in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). The Christ who lives within us is greater than anything that can come against us.
Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). The strength we need for today is not found merely in ourselves. It comes from Him. When we are weak, His grace is sufficient. When we are tempted, His strength is available. When we are discouraged, His power sustains us.
There are days when we may feel that we cannot take another step. Yet we can take the next step because Christ is with us. We can forgive because Christ strengthens us. We can endure because Christ strengthens us. We can resist temptation because Christ strengthens us. We can keep serving when we are tired because Christ strengthens us.
His presence means we are never alone. His power means we are never without help.
HIS PEACE
And where His presence and power are trusted, there is His peace. Jesus said, “My peace I give you” (John 14:27). The peace of Christ is not the absence of trouble. It is the presence of Christ in the middle of trouble.
The world gives us circumstances and tells us that we can have peace when everything goes our way. Jesus gives us Himself and teaches us that we can have peace even when everything does not go our way.
It is wonderful to know that the Lord is walking beside you. The future may be uncertain, but Christ is certain. The road may be difficult, but Christ is present. People may disappoint us, but Christ remains faithful. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds us today.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). His peace stands guard over the heart.
HIS PROMISE
And perhaps we should add one more thought: His promise. He has promised that His presence will not abandon us. “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
That means we can live today consciously aware of Christ. Talk to Him. Walk with Him. Depend upon Him. Bring your burdens to Him. Thank Him in the ordinary moments. Remember Him when temptation comes. Look to Him when sorrow comes. Rejoice in Him when blessings come.
He is not simply the Savior we met at conversion. He is the Friend who walks with us every day.
The best friend you will ever have is Jesus. He is the Friend of sinners. He is the Friend of the weary. He is the Friend of the brokenhearted. He is the Friend who never walks away.
So today, do not live as though you are alone.
His presence. His power. His peace. His promise.
Walk with Jesus today. He is already walking with you.
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Lord Jesus, help me to become more conscious of Your presence every day. When I am weak, remind me of Your power. When I am troubled, remind me of Your peace. When I am lonely, remind me that You are my faithful Friend. Help me to walk with You, talk with You, trust You, and live every moment knowing that You are near. Amen.
BDD
