In this third week of Advent, as we consider the impact of Jesus on human history, here is a devotion that reminds us of God’s 24/7 presence that Jesus brings to a higher level through His incarnation into this world:

IN WORD – We need to know who’s watching over us. This isn’t some local deity limited in power. This isn’t some cosmic force that may pay attention to us if we scream loudly enough. This is “the Maker of heaven and earth” (v. 2). This is “he who watches over Israel” (v. 4). This is the almightiest of almighties, the wisest of the wise, the most loving of lovers. Those of us who ascend to His throne—through obedient faith, through believing prayer, through passionate worship—are approaching the most benevolent, powerful Being in all creation. Actually, beyond all creation. We forget that.
We know He’s up there, but we forget that He’s right here. We know He can help us, but we struggle to believe that He will. We know He counts all of our hairs, but we’re afraid He might have moved on to other heads. After all, there are so many. It’s a big world with lots of problems. Maybe He’s too busy for ours. But an infinite deity never gets overextended. A being with unlimited resources can’t get overcommitted. He doesn’t stress about fitting it all in, because He’s beyond time. He doesn’t wonder how your life will play out, because He knows every possibility, including the one that will actually happen. He laments your lack of confidence in Him, but He never loses His love for you, because His love is boundless and always overflowing. And it flows to you, even while you sleep.
IN DEED – Yes, the deep-down desire of all civilizations in all ages has a single eye on you—right now, while you work, while you play, while you stress and strain, while you try to resolve painful conflict, while you party, while you cry your eyes out, and while you sleep. He’s your shade at your right hand, He promises to keep you from all harm—absolutely everything that might ultimately do you in—and He’s your constant, unseen companion, whether you’re coming or going (vv. 5-8). You can count on that forever. Sleep well. God loves you as though you are the only person in the world, and He loves everyone the way He loves you. (in “Worship the King” by Chris Tiegreen)

Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. His birth in Bethlehem ushered in the final phase of human history of “already and not yet.” We don’t have to wait until heaven, but can now personally experience God’s love, joy, peace, and hope, because Jesus dwells with us daily in the Holy Spirit.
Are you experiencing God’s intimate Presence daily? Take time to meditate on Psalms 139 – 145 this week and thank God for all He is doing in your life. And if you are not sensing His intimate presence, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you daily. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam