The power of presence
At the heart of the Christian message is the call to love and support one another. We often don't see ourselves as particularly talented and wonder how we can help other people. I found the answer to that on a mug: “Some people make the world special just by being there.”
I first became aware of the power of presence while meeting women in Africa. It explained how they can support women in their local community by simply being there for others. Sitting next to a sick person, holding the hand of someone who is going through difficulties, calling someone or sending them a card makes all the difference. Simply being there for a person who is in pain or desperate is a huge help. Their presence conveys love, compassion and a sense of togetherness in suffering.
God made a promise to his people Israel that he would be with them: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God will go with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (5.Mose 31,6)He doesn't say that all our problems will disappear, but he promises to accompany us every step of the way in our lives: "I will not leave you and will not stray from you." (Hebr 13,5).
Moses responded to the promise of his presence: “Unless your presence goes before us, do not lead us up from here. For how will it be known that I and your people have found favor in your sight, except by your going with us, so that I and your people will be exalted above all the nations on the face of the earth?” (2.Mose 33,15-16)Moses trusted in the presence of God.
Jesus also promised that he would be with his disciples and with all who believe in him through the Holy Spirit: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (Joh. 14,16-17)Jesus emphasizes this particularly when he says: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (verse 18).
You have probably also experienced times when it seemed your prayers went unanswered. No solution was in sight. The only answer seemed to be, "Wait!" During this waiting period, you felt God's presence and received his comfort and peace. Paul calls on the Thessalonians to support and encourage one another: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing." (1. Thess 5,11).
How beautiful and wonderful it is to experience the presence of God yourself! Through the indwelling Spirit, you can bring God's presence into the lives of those around you through your presence and concern.
by Tammy Tkach
More articles about dealing with people:
Words have power
How do we deal with non-believers?
