Presence to Cheer and to Guide

David said, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."  How was David able to sense the nearness of God in the midst of his dark night of the soul?  The secret was that David remembered and thought deeply about the character of God.  Jeremiah does this as well.  Lamentations 3:23 says, "This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope."  and what follows is a list of attributes that describe the character and faithfulness of God.

We cannot know God unless God reveals Himself.  An attribute of God is a characteristic of God that He has chosen to reveal about Himself.  And God reveals His attributes in two manners; first, and most faithfully, in His word.  Secondly, by every way He guides us through trial and temptation.

How do we know the presence of God? Only through His word and through His faithfulness in the midst of trial and temptation.  William Cowper addresses this well in his hymn, "God Moves in Mysterious Ways."

“God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea

And rides upon the storm 

Deep in unfathomable mines

of never failing skill

He treasures up His bright designs

and works His sovereign will.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

but trust Him for His grace;

behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.”

The providence of God is often surprising, often unfathomable; yet that same providence is always utterly reliable and sure. The Promise of Gods Own Dear Presence to Cheer and to Guide is a vital truth that we need to get a firm and clear grasp of because hard trials are inevitable in our Christian lives.