The Power of His Presence

Corrie ten Boom lived in Holland as the Third Reich made its devastating sweep across her country. When Hitler overtook Holland, Corrie’s home became a refuge, helping some 800 Jews escape the Holocaust. Unfortunately, she and her family’s defiance led to imprisonment, internment in Ravensbrück concentration camp, and the loss of several family members, including her beloved sister and her father. While imprisoned, Corrie penned these famous words: “I’ve experienced His presence in the deepest darkest hell that men can create. . . I have tested the promises of the Bible, and believe me, you can count on them.”

The presence of God is an incredible source of strength during times of difficulty in our lives, but it doesn’t come automatically. We must make a conscious effort to invite Him in to commune with us. Many Christians I’ve encountered over the years have deprived themselves of God’s presence through their own spiritual wanderings and fleshly choices that grieve the Holy Spirit.

In some of his deepest struggles in life, the psalmist concludes, “But as for me, it is good to be near God” (Ps. 73:28). David writes something similar in Psalm 51:11: “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.”

Friend, what are you doing to safeguard the nearness of God in your life? How are you cultivating the presence of God each day? As Christians, we must always be pursuing Him in a way that leaves an imprint on our lives so that when trials come, we will rest knowing that the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead is also at our disposal today. Let’s intentionally spend time pursuing God when you click the link below.

Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” This is my heartfelt prayer every day for our two grandsons, Fynn and Saint. Recently when I was preaching at my home church, New Life, I realized I had forgotten my sermon notes which were on my iPad. There came Fynn up the aisle to my rescue! What a fun and special moment. May it serve as a reminder for each one of us who has the privilege of passing on a spiritual legacy of faithfulness to the next generation.