The Beauty of His Presence

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"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." 

 Psalm 16:11

I have been using this cup almost everyday for the past 3 years. It was given to me on Christmas 2021.Who can resist a large coffee mug?  We are two weeks away from Christmas and one week into a new year. As is my habit, all my Christmas decorations are packed away for another year. I leave out some "wintry" things until spring- whenever that comes! I always like to clean out the house before the new year begins. But I keep this cup out all year long. 

I love the saying: "The Beauty of Christmas is not in presents but in His Presence." It reminds me of what is really important in life. Many gifts that we have received at Christmas are either broken, don't fit or of no use. Gifts of that sort don't last very long. But the gift that God gave us will last eternally- His Presence.

His Presence in our lives. Sounds really spiritual, but it needn't be. When Christ ascended back to His Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us- to guide us, comfort us, be that companion and presence that Christ was when He lived and walked on this earth. Since He- in bodily form- could not be everywhere- He sent us His Spirit to live within us. When we receive this gift- it is His Presence that lives inside of us. So many times, when I have been confused about something, or been hurt- or needed direction- when I pray and ask- He gives me answers, healing, and guidance. He is with me at all times. He will never leave us or forsake us- and this is why-He lives inside of us. (Hebrews 13:5)

The verse- "in Your presence is fullness of joy"- I find much joy in the fellowship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. My joy comes from the Lord and it is my strength. I find peace, comfort, strength and joy in His Presence. If we listen closely, we can hear Him speak to us through the Holy Spirit. When we read the Bible He will speak to us through His Word as the Spirit enlightens our understanding.(Ephesians 1:18) There is much revelation to acquire when we spend time in the Word, pray and ask His spirit to open up our understanding, in order to serve Him, know Him and love Him even more.

Christmas is over- the day that we celebrate Christ's birth, but His Presence is lasts forever. The new year has begun and many resolutions have already been broken by now. Let's not fall back into our old habits that we had last year. Let's determine in our hearts to know Him more this year. The Lord dropped into my heart the verse for this year: "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30. That means that I have to let go of some things in order to give Him more space. He wants all of our hearts. It is hard at times with all the distractions of life. He doesn't want us to go into seclusion and just pray and read the Bible all day and night. There is a life to live on this side of glory- and because of His Presence- His Spirit living in us- Emmanuel- God with us- He is with us 24/7. He will speak to us, cause us to have a better understanding about what living for Jesus is all about. It isn't a life of do's and don't's- but it is a relationship with the One Who died for our sins and then sent His Spirit to dwell with us.

His Presence- better than any present we could receive on this earth. His Presence- where we find joy unspeakable. His Presence to lead and guide us. His Presence to comfort us when we go through difficult trials. His Presence. This year- allow His Presence to bring you that joy, comfort, strength and guidance. As you fully lean on Him you will find that peace and joy within.

His Presence.

Dear Lord, this year, may we determine more than ever to allow Your Presence to permeate our very lives, our very hearts and minds. As we prayerfully let go of things that distract or take time away from You- we trust that You will fill us up with more of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

~Donna

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