The Presence of God

Oh, how great is Your goodness,
Which You have laid up for those who fear You,
Which You have prepared for those who trust in You
In the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)

What a blessing to know the living God whose goodness is not hidden.  Men, in the snare of the devil, may be unable to see it, yet if only they look - what glories they will see!  His goodness are for all to see, since all can see the change in the ways of a man once evil in his deeds and intents of his heart - now made light in the Lord.

You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence
From the plots of man;
You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion
From the strife of tongues. (Psalm 31:20)

David says, "in the secret place of Your presence" Such precious truths! In the presence of the Lord His children are continually safe.  And since no-one can escape the presence of the Omni-present One - The child of God ought never to fear.  Yet we do not feel a presence, or see a presence.  But it is no matter - In His shelter we are, if we are His!

Verses 21 - 24 are David’s response to the newly recognized blessings of God.  The blessings themselves are not new - but like David, seek them out and be reminded.  We are sinful fleshy men and we often forget the simple truth of His Omni-presence or His sovereignty in all things.  So we must often come to the Bible and cogitate His Word.  Meditate on it.  Think about it, in every avenue and place of life.

How does His omnipotence relate to my dealing with a flooding basement?

Or what does the very plan of salvation through the death of Christ on the cross tell me of His disposition toward me? Does it inform me on the basement?

Of course it does!  In everything, and everywhere He has already demonstrated such love toward us that no enemy, whether man or nature, can diminish!

Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints!

For the Lord preserves the faithful,
And fully repays the proud person. (Psalm 31:23)

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)

My final observation is that in a way, we are more blessed than even David!  Consider how our look is oriented backward to the finished work on the cross, through the apostle’s doctrine delivered through a completed canon.  We have 27 more books of revelation from which to draw blessings and confidences!  David's faith was in the promises of God, but those promises were less clearly revealed.  To be certain his hope was not less sure.  The promises of God are sure to all who trust Him, for they know Him, and He will not disappoint!

Deriving from that, how ought we to consider those matters that to our eyes are not yet fully revealed?  Let us with David in verse 23-4 above Praise the Lord for we have great and many promises, from a true and faithful sovereign who can AND will take care of His own!