His presence is my weapon...

​          I awoke one morning to the song “My Weapon” by Natalie Grant playing in my head. A few weeks ago, it seemed to be a recurring song that I awoke to for a number of mornings. It gives me a sense of comfort knowing that I have a weapon that is greater than any human weapon I could use against the enemy.
         I am reminded of a conversation I had earlier this week with a friend of mine from work. I was asking her how she was going, knowing and understanding some of the challenges she must be facing because of a promotion at her church. Her response caught my attention and brought me a much-needed reminder of where my help comes from along with a sense of comfort and peace. Basically, all she simply replied was that she was staying in God’s presence. That hit me. That was the answer right there to any challenge that we will ever face in life ... staying in that powerful presence that is a shield, a refuge, a fortress, a source of strength. 
         I am reminded of Psalm 91, that psalm that we love to quote as a psalm of protection and it is... “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him I will trust’” (v.1-2). Just the opening verses hint to us exactly where we need to be for protection and security. Once we understand that we are in God’s hands and no one can snatch us out to harm us, no one can get to us to destroy us, this should bring a sense of comfort and safety.
         The song I mentioned earlier, is a song about God’s protection over our lives. The chorus states: 
         Your presence is my greatest weapon
         Pushing back the darkness
         Breaking every chain
         My worship opens up the heavens
         Crushing every stronghold
         When I speak Your name
         ‘Cause Your presence is my weapon
         Your presence is my weapon
          I look at David’s life. He is one of my most written about characters in my blog. When you think about it, there is no way David could have survived or escaped the murderous pursuit of king Saul who was backed by an experienced army! Yet, he did. Why? Because he had learned and chosen to put his trust in God. When his own band of men wanted to turn against him when, after returning to their camp, they discovered that their families had been taken captive by the Amalekites, David was in despair especially because his men wanted to stone him, putting all of the blame on him for what had happened (1 Samuel 30:1-6). However, in verse 6 we are told that “David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” He did not turn to man, he did not rely on his own ability, he turned to the Lord his God. He had an intimate enough relationship with his God that he knew exactly who to turn to in time of trouble and God did not fail him because they were able to rescue all that the Amalekites had stolen from them (1 Samuel 30:7-19)!
         When you know your God and choose to run to the safety of His care, you will always be covered and safe. Even if God allows any evil, it will only be in the end to bring about some good in your life. Being in God’s presence isn’t an oozy feeling. I think it’s about being in a place of consistent and total trust in God, a place where no matter what is going on around you, you are choosing to rest in Him, in His care, in His covering, in His ability to handle anything that comes your way no matter how big or how small. 
         As the song suggests, it’s the place where battles are won and strongholds are crushed; it’s the place where chains are broken and freedom is sure; above all it’s the place where sweet intimacy with the One who created us and loves us can be found and with this comes the strength to face any challenge that comes our way. 
          Like my friend, I am striving to stay in His presence. As I look back over my life I realize that there was no way I could have survived some of the things I’ve been through if it wasn’t for His presence and me learning to rest in it. I don’t know about you but that is the safest place I want and choose to be.
          If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to make that step now. God is the safest place you can be and with the world going through all that it is right now, it is the best place you can ever want to be.

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