Presence

Loneliness is no respecter of persons. It spares neither young old, rich, nor poor. Loneliness originates in our minds as we contemplate whether or not friends and family accept us. If a sense of separation is allowed to grow then loneliness attaches itself to that part of us we call our emotions. Very often a baby or small child will cry for no particular reason. They are not sick or do they need a diaper change. So why are they crying? It is because they sense there is no one around them. They sense the absence of the presence of another person. They feel lonely. When someone enters into the room or reaches out to touch them the child ceases crying. PRESENCE. Though many people may surround us we may still feel that somehow something is missing. Loneliness is intangible. Though we cannot see it or figure out where this feeling comes from it is very real. Real enough to cause men, women, and young people to contemplate suicide. People have and are going to disappoint us and let us down. By the record numbers of divorces husbands and wives give up because that person they once pledged their lives to just did not meet their expectations. There is a source of continual presence which if added to our existing relationships will fill the gap left by human frailties. PRESENCE. In chapter 63 verse nine the prophet Isaiah spoke concerning how the Lord delivered Israel from the bondage of slavery in Egypt with these words; "The angel of his presence". This simply says it all. The presence of God is the agent of deliverance. Israel was delivered because he made a personal intervention on their behalf. What is missing in the lives of men and women? The presence of God. PRESENCE. We have a promise of his presence today. In the Gospel of John chapter 14 Jesus spoke to the apostles that he was going to give up his life soon. They were going to be alone, but he promised to leave them another "comforter". The Greek word is "parakletos". The basic English definition of this word means: "to be present". An intercessor, counselor, advocate, comforter. We can receive this promise through receiving the Holy Ghost. The presence of sin brings an awareness of guilt. In the Book of Genesis the Bible tells us that when Adam and Eve became aware of their transgression "they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God". We can try to cover our guilt by whatever means we can imagine. Denial. Lying. Anger. Declaring that there is no God. They are all just another form of covering. Why settle for a covering when we can know his presence. In John chapter 14 verse 18; " I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." PRESENCE. We can know the source of eternal presence. On the Day of Pentecost the apostles and about 120 other people received the promise of PRESENCE. The presence of Jesus Christ is realized today through the baptism of the Holy Ghost. In Acts chapter two the Apostle Peter said; "the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." Acts2:39. PRESENCE. His presence acts as a catalyst for hope. PRESENCE. The promise is unto you.