Nothing Like “The Presence”
Saturday, April 4
Psalm 51:11 (NKJV)
“Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”
Devotion
Do you find yourself longing for the presence of God? There could not be a more timely verse than King David’s cry unto the Lord in Psalm 51:11. It may have been his need for repentance that magnified his desperate cry for God to never take His Spirit from David, but this cry is relatable in the hearts of all believers.
God’s words are spirit and life. “The Presence” keeps things going and keeps the fire burning. Desperately practicing the presence daily in our relationship with Christ is our lifeline. Nobody understood more what it felt like than Jesus did when God Almighty lifted off Christ, and Jesus cried out in Matthew 27:46, “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” What our Savior endured for the joy set before Him to reconcile us back to our Heavenly Father speaks volumes of His infinite love for us!
Pastor Franklin encouraged us to “be a host to the Holy Ghost.” The presence of God exposes sin, leads to repentance, preserves life, and helps us forsake entanglements to surge forward in faith. The Holy Spirit brings discernment about what’s wrong and helps us swiftly address it for our ultimate cleansing, purging, protection, and freedom. Further, in the presence we are endowed with spiritual gifts, and the fruits of the Spirit are developed to empower holy living. The bread of His presence strengthens us to supernaturally accomplish that which He calls us to do. What a Comforter!
So, this Easter, we must approach the throne of grace with confidence, but with a holy reverence. Remember that when we touch Him, power is released into us. Further, when others touch us, that same power is released to them! Come, Holy Spirit, come! Come! Dwell! You are welcome here!
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Presence dwelling in me. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of my inheritance until You come to bring me home. I welcome You to be actively present in my life. I yield to You to receive the spiritual gifts You have set aside for me and to do whatever You want accomplished in my life. Use me to reach others for Your glory. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
As you grow in Christ and your yearning for Him increases, respond to His gentle nudging and draw near. He will draw near to you. As you do, you’ll learn more about Him, His ways, and what He desires. You’ll learn how to walk with Him in harmony. In this relationship, you’ll find freedom and peace.
Resources
- As we stand on the eve of Resurrection Sunday, don’t miss this powerful message, “Be Made Whole.” Jesus came not only to save you, but to restore every broken place in your life.
- Join us today at our Gainesville, GA campus for our Family Day from 11 AM–2 PM (ET)! We’ll have a Ferris wheel, petting zoo, Easter egg hunt, and much more. This is a free event open to the community! Invite someone and bring your family—we can’t wait to see you!