“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

As I was walking around my property the other day, I began thinking about the different ways that the Presence of God is with us. It was encouraging and I pray it will be for you as well. God says in several places that He is always with us so we don’t have to fear. As I walked, I could envision God going before me leading the way. “He leadeth me beside the still waters.  He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:2-3). He’s our Shepherd, we must follow Him. I could also see God walking beside me as a friend, a companion as we walked and talked. ”I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” (Psalm 16:8). If something jumps out from the shadows or entices me to get off the Path, He will be there to protect me and guide me. (Psalm 23:4). I was also reminded of a verse in Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” He’s back there too making sure we go the right way, He’s our GPS, God Positioning System.

Now, even though it’s awesome that God’s presence is with us, all around us, there’s one more thing to remember; HE IS IN US! When we get saved, the Holy Spirit of God comes to live inside us. Our bodies are his temple, (1 Corinthians 6:19). So, if He’s living in our temple, we have to partner with Him to keep all junk out and rebuke and bind anything evil that tries to enter. We declare God’s Word to keep His temple clean. How extraordinary it is to know, wherever we go, God is with us inside and out! Acknowledge it, declare it, believe it!