The Presence of God

[ssheet]

In chapter 4, the image of God (YHWH) as the Shepherd of Israel is seen during their wilderness experience. As the presence of God was essential to the Moses and the Israelites as they journeyed through the Sinai desert, so we are reminded that God's presence is very much necessary for us today. We read that "Israel's identity was inextricably tied to the presence of God" [pg 79] and that His presence resulted in protection, provision, and guidance [pgs 80-87] for the Israelites. If this is true of the present day church, then we should also be experiencing God's protection, provision, guidance. Many in my congregation and other congregations I know do not have a sense of this while many do. If the presence of God is in a congregation, why is it that some experience that presence while some do not? Of course, not every one in a church is a Christian, but still that does not account for all those who seek protection, provision, and guidance based on societies standards, such as financial success, sexual relationships, career advancement, and the elusive "American Dream." Perhaps it is because they only understand the presence of God in a cognitive level but do not take the time to reflect upon God's presence in their lives. Perhaps, it is because they have unrealized expectations of God that come from their own ideas of what experiencing God's presence is about. Or perhaps it is something else entirely. However, trusting that the presence of God is very much among us I find that as a leader, I have the responsibility to remind people of how God is working among us. This is not something that needs to be done once or twice, but rather is a constant ongoing labor. Thankfully, in reminding others of the reality of God's presence, I am also reinforce my own assurance of God's presence so i can function as someone who knows that God protects, provides, and guides me.