The Practice of the Presence of God – Day 6

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  –  1 Peter 1:6-7

“God often allows us to go through difficulties to purify our souls and to teach us to rely on Him more. The difficulties of life do not have to be unbearable. It is the way we look at them – through faith or unbelief – that makes them seem so.” (pp 54,55 The Practice of the Presence of God)

The fact that you have to face difficulties in life should come as no surprise to you. There are a number of reasons – some consequence of your sin – God forgives you but does not necessarily relieve you of the worldly consequence – some action of another person in which you were innocent of any wrong doing – or perhaps just the fact that you live in a world that is sin-sick and full of maladies that we may not escape or avoid merely because we are born again.

No matter what the difficulty or its cause, we can live above it at peace.

“Peace I [Jesus] leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid..’” – John 14:27

Given Jesus’ words, it sounds like the presence of peace in times of trouble is up to us. In a way it is and in a way it isn’t.  Peace – calm in the midst of calamity – is a spiritual fruit – it is supernatural.  It is a product of an abiding relationship with the Father – practice of the presence of God. We are not like the Ostrich who buries its head in the sand when danger comes, but with assurance we face it head on. We know who is present with us. It is the attitude of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego when they stood before King Nebuchadnezzar.

“‘But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?’ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.’” – Daniel 3:15-18

It is not that those guys did not see the furnace or feel its heat or understand what might very well happen to them.  Their confidence was in God.  If our sense of peace is dependent upon the absence of difficulty – we will never be at peace. In this day people are so fearful. So much uncertainty. It is a great opportunity to be witnesses to a world in turmoil – a world with no peace. If you will only practice the presence of God.

Believe it – walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone