The Promise of His Presence

How would you feel if someone assured you unshakeable promises? You’ll definitely feel so touched, secured and blessed, right? On the other hand, have you assured someone of a promise or promises to them? A promise is like a marriage vow, it is meant to keep and fulfill it, but unfortunately, some marriages broke their vows, and ended in divorce.

Many people make promises hastily or thoughtlessly without a sincere commitment to fulfill them earnestly. Promises are easy to make but also easy to forget, and quite often it’s challenging to fulfill them. The person who made a promise but failed to fulfill it will result in the recipient feeling disappointment and losing trust. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from making promises if there is uncertainty about honoring them.

Jesus said, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)

Once a promise is uttered, it is necessary to follow through with it diligently and intentionally, as making empty promises tarnishes trust and integrity. An unfulfilled promise is parallel to the act of telling a lie or being a liar.

Ecclesiastes 5:5 – It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.

Proverbs 12:22 – The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.

Today, let us draw strength from one timeless promise of God towards His people in the Scriptures: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This promise of God reaffirms through the age and circumstance. In good and tough times, this promise is a steadfast support for our lives.

1. Joshua 1:5, 9:

   “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses (Ex. 3:10-12), so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

   Why did God want to assure Joshua and us of His presence?

• Encouragement: Joshua was taking on the leadership role after the death of Moses. He was to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, facing battles and conquering Canaan. Leading can be tough, and dealing with the unknown can be scary. God’s promise gave Joshua encouragement and comfort, letting him know he wasn’t doing it alone.The assurance of God’s presence emphasized His faithfulness. God had been faithful to Moses, and He would continue to be faithful to Joshua and the people of Israel. This promise is not exclusive to Moses and Joshua alone but extended to each one of us. God is committed to be with us, to stand by our side through every trial is certain.The call to courage is not based on our own strength but on the sureness of God’s presence. It is a divine command to trust in Him, to face challenges and uncertainties with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. His presence is our greatest asset.Just as God was faithful to Joshua, He remains faithful to us. In the face of uncertainties, let us choose faith over fear. Trusting in God’s promises dispels the shadows of doubt and fear that threaten to submerge us.

  Joshua, facing the giants in the Promised Land is a big project – they will be contenders, enemies, and obstacles. Do you have any giant to battle with in your life or career?

  E.g., children education, competitor in your business or workplace, worry about school exam, graduates worry about employment, financial commitment, relationship problem, etc.

2. Isaiah 41:10: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

• Empowerment: At times, your difficult situation may weaken your confident, ability, and hope, but God will strengthen you, and assure you of His help and support. His righteous right hand signifies power and justice, ensuring your fairness.2 Corinthians 12:9 – And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Whenever you are discouraged, weak, or panic, you should look to Him for strength and empowerment. Let Him boost up your confidence and strength to be filled with His hope. The assurance of His presence will shape your daily lives, offering an uplifting hope that empowers you to live confidently in life.

  Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (obstacles, challenges or difficulties), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

3. Isaiah 43:2 (NIV): “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

• Envelopment: The passing through waters and fire speaks to the inevitable trials and tribulations we encounter. There will be times that we may find ourselves in situations that test our faith, spiritual foundation, and endurance.However, God promises that even in the midst of trials, He will be with us. He will shield us from the dangers we face. Let us anchor our faith in the assurance that God is not a distant observer but an ever-present companion.He doesn’t promise that we will be exempted from difficulties, but that we will not face them alone. The waters may rise, and the fires may burn, but we can take comfort in the fact that God is with us every step of the way.

4. 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV): David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.”

• Endorsement: As you embark on your mission or project, you can take confidence in the assurance that the Lord is by your side, guiding, supporting, endorsing, and empowering you.His commitment to you is enduring and faithful. He will not abandon you in the middle of your journey but sees you through to completion. May you find comfort in the promise that He will not fail you or forsake you until the work He assigned you is finished.E.g., Raising children, fulfilling a mission, church building fully paid, equipping or supporting ministries, caring for your loved ones or aging parents, etc.

  Matthew 28:20: “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV): “Even to your old age and grey hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

The world may abandon you; loved ones or friends may betray you, and circumstances may change like shifting sands. God’s promise of His presence remains steadfast and unchanging. Even in the wilderness of life, where the landscape seems harsh and desolate, God walks with you. This promise “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is not a mere cliché but a declaration of His faithful commitment to His children.

God’s declaration, “I am He,” reminds us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As you journey through the various seasons of life, God remains constant, offering His sustaining presence.

God who made you is committed to carry you through, providing strength when you are weak, and sustaining you through every trial. His commitment doesn’t depend on what you can or cannot do, or what’s happening around you. It’s based on His unchanging nature, and He will carry you through every season of life.

As we journey through life’s unpredictable challenges, we face storms that test our faith, waves that threaten our hopes, and winds that try to extinguish our perseverance. Yet, in the midst of this uproar, we find comfort in God’s unwavering promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

These words were spoken purposefully, engraved on the tablet of your heart for eternity. When the night is darkest and the path uncertain, remember you’re not alone. The Creator who spoke the universe into existence, stands with you. Amen.

As we wrap up this year, let’s express gratitude to God for 2023 and welcome 2024 with confidence, knowing that God is with us always. Amen.

Looking forward to experience more Breakthroughs in our lives and our Church ministries! Amen.