Presence 

 “I knew you wouldn’t forsake me just when I need you most” (7).

For a time, Wilbur doesn’t know if Charlotte will go with him to the fair. Her presence has always brought life to Wilbur, and the fair is his most desperate time. Her promise to go is Wilbur’s comfort. Later, her death closes the era of her presence with him. 

In contrast, our God is eternal; His presence is promised and everlasting. Jesus’s very name is Immanuel, God with us. He promises, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:18 NIV). “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39). God’s presence brings deliverance: “He brought you out of Egypt by his Presence and his great strength, to drive out before you nations greater and stronger than you” (Deut. 4:37–38 NIV). 

His presence brings security: “And [Moses] said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here’” (Ex. 33:15). 

His presence gives us renewal and joy when people make fun of us for our belief in God’s Word: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Ps. 23:5). 

His presence gives hope and purpose in suffering. Joseph spoke peace to his brothers who had caused his terrible, deep suffering: “And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant . . . So it was not you who sent me here, but God” (Gen. 45:7–8). 

His presence brings power. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). 

Prayer: Help me to practice Your presence and receive all the blessings that come with knowing You are near; You are in my spirit, and You go before me and behind me. Assist me in using my imagination to practice remembering that You are always present with me. 

Radiant Action: I will be conscious of Your Presence with me wherever I go. I will imagine you with me as I wash dishes or run errands, even at Costco. 

Webs: Friendship (Feb.), Longing (Oct.), Joy (Dec.), Signs and Wonders (Dec.) 

Gleanings: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Ex. 33:14 NIV).