Keeping and Cherishing the Presence of God in Every Season
Monday, December 23
1 Samuel 7:1-2 (NIV)
“So the men of Kiriath Jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They brought it to Abinadab’s house on the hill and consecrated Eleazar his son to guard the ark of the LORD. The ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. Then all the people of Israel turned back to the LORD.”
Devoción
In the journey of faith, there are seasons when we must fight to preserve the most precious thing we possess: the presence of God. Our lives are marked by seasons of joy and sorrow, victories and defeats, but the one constant that sustains us through all is the nearness of the Lord.
In 1 Samuel 7:1-2, we see a profound moment in the history of Israel. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people, had been captured by the Philistines and later returned, but it had been neglected and left in Kiriath Jearim for twenty years. The Ark's placement in Abinadab's house was a reflection of a nation distant from God, unaware of the importance of His presence in their midst. However, after these long years of spiritual dormancy, the people of Israel began to realize what they had lost. The Ark was no longer merely a symbol; it was the very presence of God that could bring them peace, hope, and victory.
For twenty years, the Israelites lived without the intimacy and presence of God they once enjoyed. It was only when their hearts turned back to the Lord that they began to experience the restoration of His presence. This turning point is critical for us to understand: there will always be seasons when we feel distant from God. Perhaps we, too, have let His presence lie dormant in our lives. Maybe the busyness of life, sin, or a sense of hopelessness has made us forget the beauty and power of walking closely with the Almighty.
Here our some steps to cherishing His presence in every season:
- The Importance of Remembering His Presence: The Ark was placed in Kiriath Jearim for a reason. It was a place where God’s people could look back and reflect on what they had lost. In the same way, we must remember the times when we felt closest to God. Those moments of deep communion and intimate prayer are like landmarks in our spiritual journey.
- Guarding His Presence: Eleazar, the son of Abinadab, was consecrated to guard the ark. This is a calling for us as well—to protect and honor God's presence in our lives. We must set aside distractions, sin, and any temptation that pulls us away from the life-giving relationship with Him.
- Turning Back to Him: When Israel finally turned back to the Lord after twenty years, they experienced a revival of God's presence in their midst. It’s never too late to return to Him.
- Enduring Through Every Season: The Israelites’ wait for the return of God's presence was not in vain. In the seasons of waiting and seeking, we too are being prepared for greater encounters with God.
Where are you in your walk with God today? Have you allowed the busyness of life, the noise of the world, or the challenges you face to push His presence to the background? If so, it's time to turn back—just as the Israelites did. Let this moment be the beginning of a new season where God’s presence is at the center of your life once again.
Oración de hoy
Querido Padre Celestial,
Forgive me for the times I have neglected Your presence. Help me to cherish and guard the nearness of Your Spirit in every season of my life. I turn my heart back to You today, longing for Your peace, Your guidance, and Your comfort. May Your presence be my greatest treasure and my constant hope, now and forevermore. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Identify distractions or habits that hinder your ability to focus on God’s presence. Make intentional changes to protect your time with Him.
Create sacred rhythms in your day for prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word, treating these moments as non-negotiable.
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