For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
Psalms 36:9 NIV
In the symphony of existence, the pulsating heart of life finds its rhythm in the divine. Psalms 36:9 unveils a profound truth, echoing through the corridors of time. This revelation beckons us to explore the transformative power held within the embrace of God’s presence. Just as a river finds its source in the mountains, our lives find their essence in the boundless, life-giving presence of the Almighty. Join this journey as we delve into the narratives of old, discovering how dwelling in God’s presence unfolds as the key to a flourishing life and a radiant light in a world seeking illumination.
Dwelling in the presence of the Lord holds unparalleled significance. As Moses rightly asserted, God’s presence distinguishes His chosen ones. The Bible recounts the story of Joseph. Though He was a slave, he prospered in his master’s house because God was with him.
The Lord was with Joseph, so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master…But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favour in the eyes of the prison warden. So, the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Genesis 39:2, 20-23 NIV
Even in the confines of a prison cell, Joseph’s fortunes did not wane. God’s presence that was him at home became evident even in the prison. Therefore, he continued to prosper in everything. This divine presence elevated Joseph to a position of authority, a testament to God’s faithfulness.
Isaac was another man with a testimony of bearing God’s presence. The people of Gerar, including Abimelek, recognized the evident presence of God in Isaac’s life. Their fear and desire for peace with Isaac underscored this recognition: “We saw clearly that the Lord was with you”. God’s presence radiated from Isaac so unmistakably that it commanded respect.
They answered, “We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, ‘There ought to be a sworn agreement between us’—between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you that you will do us no harm, just as we did not harm you but always treated you well and sent you away peacefully. And now you are blessed by the Lord.”
Genesis 26:28-29, NIV
Similarly, the abiding presence of the Lord shielded the Israelites dwelling in Goshen from the plagues that befell Egypt in the Exodus narrative. God declared, “I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land” (Exodus 8:22, NIV). God’s presence among the Israelites vividly displayed His protective power.
Furthermore, a minister’s words derive their effectiveness not from eloquence but from the presence of God. It is the presence of in a man that qualifies him to be a man of God. While many sought to train themselves into becoming one, they are missing the heart of the matter. Samuel, attested as a prophet of the Lord, exemplified this truth. The divine presence validated Samuel’s prophetic utterances.
The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.
1 Samuel 3:19-21 NIV
When David’s qualifications were presented to Saul for the role of an instrumentalist, I find it intriguing why it was deemed crucial to highlight that he was a man with the presence of the Lord. One of the servants responded, “I have seen a son of Jesse from Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is handsome. Moreover, the Lord is with him” (1 Samuel 16:18, NIV). Indeed, David’s talents were secondary; it was his connection with God that set him apart.
In conclusion, the recurring theme is clear: God’s presence transforms circumstances. As we navigate life, let’s seek to dwell continually in His presence, for therein lies the essence of life and the brilliance of divine light. The fountain of life resides with the Lord. To partake in this life and become a beacon of His light, one must dwell continually in His presence. In the embrace of God’s presence lies the essence of life and the brilliance of divine light.
