Faith Grows Where God is Felt

SUB-THEME: Walking Daily With Immanuel

TOPIC: Faith Grows Where God is Felt

TEXTS: Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 9:10

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10)

Our above subject for reflection indicates that genuine faith increases where there is a corresponding level of consciousness of the presence of God. When there is an implicit knowledge and conviction of the reality of God that generates the desire to seek Him diligently, there is every tendency for one's faith life to be on the increase.

Faith, in this regard, is not a function of the confession of belief in God associated merely with intellectual assent, as this kind of spiritual virtue is not subject to any empirical evaluation. Let us critically consider Isaiah 29:13 and Titus 1:16, and be conscious of their spiritual implications. It is not the kind of faith recognised through the dry desert of religious activity, such as belonging to every Church unit or activity group, or even attending every known Church programme. Rather, it is rooted in someone's experiential Divine encounter with the Lord, resulting in one's ability to acknowledge who God is, His nature, character and attributes, while desiring His abiding presence at all times (Matthew 28:20; Psalm 23:4; Exodus 33:14–15).

We need to bear in mind that there can never be any growth in faith where God's presence is absent; neither can there be any experience of God's presence where genuine, growing faith is not evident. It is also pertinent to observe that this kind of God's presence goes beyond the belief in His omnipresence. This level of presence can only be attained by those whose lives conform to God's Kingdom pattern. They do not live in conformity with the world order (Romans 12:2) because they have put on the Lord Jesus Christ and have chosen to make no provision for the flesh.

These are the ones who bear the mark of Christ, having totally submitted themselves to the once-for-all sacrifice He made to free humanity from the bondage of sin. These are the ones whose Kingdom lifestyle attracts His presence and whose faith continues to increase daily. Their trust in God is unalloyed, as their confidence in Him whom they have believed (2 Timothy 1:12) is unshakable. Are you one of them? Make haste to join this league of God's presence commanders whose faith life gladdens the heart of their Maker (Hebrews 10:38).

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek Your presence daily and grow in unwavering faith. Amen.