He Hasn’t Gone Away

I remember, many years ago, a song we used to sing regularly in church: ‘He is here. He is here. He is moving among us. He is here. He is here, as we gather in his name. He is here. He is here. And He wants to work a wonder. He is here. He is here, as we gather in his name.’ There was always a sense of God’s presence as we sang. It led us into deep worship and praise. It was wonderful to stand in His presence knowing He was with us, and to feel the warmth of His love surrounding us. As we drew near to Him, He was drawing us closer to Himself.

It doesn’t need the words of a song to take us into His glorious presence. We know, as Christians, He is always with us. But as we live through our daily lives with all its complexities of decision making, schedules and dealing with issues that surround us, anxiety can creep into our attitudes and behaviour. And before we know it, we can be off on our own, chasing down blind alleys, following our own plans and purposes. We may not fully realise where we’re going, but suddenly we discover we’ve left God behind.

Jesus said, “I am with you always” (Mathew 28:20). This means constantly, all the time. We may not see Him, because our minds are on other things. Then we find out we’ve lost sight of Him.

The disciples on their way to Emmaus were so engrossed in their conversation about what had gone wrong and how Jesus had left them, that they didn’t realise He was walking beside them. He said, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25). He hadn’t left them.

Even when He was with His disciples in the boat and a violent storm blew up, they panicked. They said, “Master, we’re going to drown.” He rebuked the wind and the raging waters. The storm subsided ... “Where is your faith?” He asked’ (Luke 8:24). They were more concerned with their own lives than with Jesus.

Do we long for Him to be with us every step of the way? Are we hungry for His presence in all that we do?  Then we’re on the right track. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).

Are we hungry, are we thirsty? Not for our own satisfaction or peace of mind, but for Jesus. Would we fall on our knees calling out for mercy?  “I’m so sorry, Lord. Forgive me.” What He wants is that we walk with Him talk with him, share our lives with Him, and depend on Him.

He hasn’t gone away. He’s right there with us. We must break down barriers of pride and take up the shield of humility. “Call upon me and I will answer you.” (Jeremiah 33:3}.

This is what He longs for, that we share our whole life with Him, so that He can share Himself with us. As we acknowledge His presence, He will acknowledge us before His Father. What better place can there be, whatever the circumstances?