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At Hand and Occurring Now

In a recent post, I wrote about seeking the Lord’s presence.  In another post I wrote that Jesus welcomed sinners into His presence.

A related word to presence is “present”.  And that word is what I want to focus on in this post.  So, as I consider His presence, I’d really like His presence to be present in the present.  Let me explain!

The word “present” has many meanings including existing or occurring now and being in view or at hand.  But the definition is so inadequate when it when it has something about God.  Some examples:

“It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”  (Rom 3:26) 

In contrast to what occurred in previous times, Jesus, at a specific point in time, showed His righteousness so that we might be justified by His work on the cross.  And while that event occurred at a particular time in history, it stands for all time and any one since that point in time who puts their faith in Jesus are justified by Him. 

“But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.”  (Ps 14:5) 

God is present, as in at hand or being there, in the company of the righteous.  And while God is everywhere at all times, there still can be a special awareness of His presence when the righteous are gathered together.

I ran across a verse that seems to combine, in a very meaningful way, the aspects of occurring now and being at hand:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  (Ps 46:1)

The Expanded Version of the Bible translates 46:1 as:  “God is our protection [refuge] and our strength. He always helps [is an ever present/timely help] in times of trouble [distress].”

The word “present” as stated in this verse tells us that He is present with us as our help (as in at hand) and His help is presently available to us (as in occurring now).

So as I consider His presence, I really do want His presence to be present in the present.  And you know what, it is!

 

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