The Gospel
of Matthew
Lesson 8
The King’s Presence
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after
righteousness... Matthew 5:5
It is so easy to get caught up with the hustle bustle of life, trying to make ends meet and keeping things under control. Have you ever woken up one morning and felt so heavily weighed down with life’s responsibilities? You just don’t feel like getting out of bed! The kids or bills are screaming for attention, the alarm is blaring, your body says I am tired and you know this is not going to be an easy day.
The challenging balance of life activity and the peaceful Shalom of God within your soul is the target of every earnest follower of Christ. How do I behave myself as a Christian in the midst of so much darkness, misbehaviour and the rat-race? Do I watch CSI or pray? Should I go out and have a nice time with friends and family or go to church?
A good part of the answer to these and other complex questions lies in the Presence of God. The Lord shows us the way to take when we come to Him.
You will show me the path of Life; in your Presence is fullness of Joy…Psalm 16:11
Many people are doing jobs they hate and living lives they despise but can’t do anything about it because they feel stuck. Others keep themselves busy so that they wouldn’t need to face the reality of their situation. Yet if they spent time with God He will show them what to do or how to cope.
Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part…Luke 10:41-42
What did Mary choose? She decided to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His words while Martha busied herself in the kitchen with cooking. Mary chose the Lord’s presence to duty and activity. Both are good and necessary but one comes before the other. Fill yourself with the Presence of God everyday and you will be better equipped to face the pressure of work, duty, family and life.
He makes me lie down... He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul Psalm 23:2-3
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, o God Psalm 42:1
Once the revelation of the necessity for God’s presence hits us, most of life’s problems are completely solved. The house, car, job, success or achievements do not fill the void in our souls. Only the presence and words of God can truly satisfy. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips. Psalm 63:5. May your deepest parts be filled with real joy and satisfaction. May your whole life giggle!!
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