Psalm 78: 35-39 – They remembered that God was their protector, and that God Most High was their deliverer.  ³⁶ But they deceived him with their words, and lied to him.  ³⁷ They were not really committed to him, and they were unfaithful to his covenant.  ³⁸ Yet he is compassionate.  He forgives sin and does not destroy.  He often holds back his anger, and does not stir up his fury.  ³⁹ He remembered that they were made of flesh, and were like a wind that blows past and does not return.”

Several things tugged at my heart as I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today.  God’s presence, purpose, and provision filled my thoughts.  

The presence of God is a double-edged sword.   There is peace, power, and provision in His presence (for the lovers of God).  However, for the unbelievers and disobedient rebels, there can be devastation.

In Psalm 78, the recounting of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage included the declaration in verses 35-39, which amazes me.  They were in need, and they recognized God as their deliverer, “But they deceived Him with their words and lied to Him.  They were not really committed to Him and were not faithful to His Covenant.  Yet He is compassionate.  He forgives… He remembered they were made of flesh…”

Deceived God?  Not literally, but they tried and lied, deceiving themselves.  God became inactive as though He were asleep, not helping them.   In verse 65, “But then the Lord awoke from His sleep; He was like a warrior in a drunken rage.” When God is stirred up, nothing can stand before Him.

In Psalm 84:9, we are reminded of the value of God’s appointed and chosen human leaders.   It calls their king (likely David) their shield.  The Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart and mind the power of the government appointed by Him.   David’s heart was to do what was right.  He sought to wholly follow God.  When God’s appointed leader is in place, the people rejoice.  When the wicked rule, the people groan.

Today, people are deceiving themselves and lying to God.  God is calling His remnant to repentance and seeking someone to stand in the gap and intercede.  We need to make the plea or prayer of Psalm 87:11 our prayer: “O LORD, teach me how You want me to live.  THEN I will obey Your commands.  Make me wholeheartedly committed to You.”

Revelation 22:14 – “Blessed are those who wash their robes so they can have access to the tree of life and can enter the city by the gates.”

• God’s presence brings peace to the pure and confusion to the impure.
• God’s presence provides protection to those whose hearts are committed to Him.
• God’s presence is our solace and refuge, making Psalms 91 and 23 our daily reality.

My heart cries today for God’s presence to be perpetually permanent.  Let us live in Your realized presence and go before us in all things.  LORD, make us conscious of Your presence, person, power, provision, and purpose.  I surrender all to You.

I pray that your day will be filled with His Presence!