Verse of the Day 11/30

Exodus 33:14 (ESV) And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

 

A favorite psalm of mine is Psalm 46 where we find God's promise that He will be a "very present help" in times of trouble.  In his book "A Bend in the Road", David Jeremiah takes a closer look at these words, in particular the word trouble.  He writes, "Trouble, that's a word that needs no introduction.  As used here, (in psalm 46:1) the more precise meaning of the word would be "in tight places".  Have you been in tight places recently?  We speak of being stuck between a rock and a hard place.  We (seemingly) have no room to maneuver.  The words very present convey the idea that God is easy to find.  He is as real and as much there with you as He could possibly be.  Some of our friends run out when trouble rolls in, but God isn't like that.  He moves in closer, putting His great arms around us.  When we're in tight places; He draws us nearer."

 

My mom used to lead kids in Sunday School and AWANA Clubs through a fun song, "Lion Hunt".  It took the kids through situations with actions and sounds while on the hunt and faced obstacles like rivers, forests and caves.  The line that stands out and comes to mind with today's verse and David Jeremiah's thoughts on Psalm 46 are "can't go under it, can't go over it, can't go around it, gotta go through it."  A good lesson for all ages.

 

Sometimes we'll face situations where there seemingly is no way out, no answer or solution.  These are the situations to call on God to make His presence felt as He goes with us through the "tight places".

 

If you are facing one of those situations today, know that He is there with you when you "gotta go through it".  He will also give you rest.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Read today's verse in context  - Exodus 33:12-23 ESV