THE PRESENCE OF GOD WITH YOU

1 “IF IT HAD NOT BEEN THE LORD WHO WAS ON OUR SIDE,” LET ISRAEL NOW SAY—
2 “IF IT HAD NOT BEEN THE LORD WHO WAS ON OUR SIDE, WHEN MEN ROSE UP AGAINST US,
3 Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us;
4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul;
5 THEN THE SWOLLEN WATERS WOULD HAVE GONE OVER OUR SOUL.”
Psalm 124:1-5 (NKJV)

In most instances, believers seem not to know, understand, and acknowledge God's goodnesses enough; when it comes to protections and battles that are fought for them by God without their knowing.
A lot of dangers meant to entrap and harm believers are cancelled by God without their knowing.
There are evils plotted against them, either in the physical or spiritual realm, which God often times shattered without the knowledge of such evils by the believers who are concerned.

The Psalmist in our text was saying If it were not God, the enemy—the devil and his cohorts—would have prevailed over them, the Israelites (Psalm 124:1).
Note:
• Men, people, rose against the Israelites (Psalm 124:2).
• The wrath of the oppossers was against them, the people of God (Psalm 124:3).

If God was not on the side of the Israelites:
• The oppossers who rose against them would have swallowed them alive (Psalm 124:3).
• The waters would have overwhelmed them—the stream, the swollen waters—would have gone over their soul (Psalm 124:4).

We could see in the passage, our text, that it was the presence of God that made the enemy, the oppossers, not to be able to prevail over the people of God.
Then, What would you have to do to keep God's presence with you?
In other words, How would a believer secure and keep the presence of God?:
• The presence of God is primarily secured through salvation, when you are born-again—you accepted Christ Jesus as your Saviour and Lord (Romans 10:9,10).
• The next thing is to cultivate the habit of daily reading and studying and pondering on the word of God (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1-3). This should not end there, you would have to take a step further which is the practicing of the Word—you live your daily life by the principles of the Word you read and know, the Bible (James 1:22-25).
• The knowledge of the Word of God would spur you to pray, communicate with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17). At times there may be need to boost your prayer with fasting as you progress in your walk with God (Matthew 17:21; Luke 2:37; 2 Corinthians 11:27).
• Another important aspect is being sensitive to God's leadings. God would want you to grow and be a believer who is being led by the Holy Spirit on the inside of you—through your recreated human spirit (Romans 8:14).

With the practice of these basic principles that are mentioned here, you would be able to secure and keep God's presence in your life.
Now, God is a consistent God, or a God of consistency, these things mentioned had to be consistently done—they are meant to be spiritual exercise which you daily practice.

The conclusive part of that Psalm 124 in our text says:
6 BLESSED BE THE LORD, WHO HAS NOT GIVEN US AS PREY TO THEIR TEETH.
7 OUR SOUL HAS ESCAPED AS A BIRD FROM THE SNARE OF THE FOWLERS; THE SNARE IS BROKEN, AND WE HAVE ESCAPED.
8 OUR HELP IS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, WHO MADE HEAVEN AND EARTH.”
Psalm 124:6-8 (NKJV)

The wicked one has prepared snares to trap or ensnare whoever is of God, but by being obedient to God's Word and His leadings, such would be delivered.
If you walked in the Spirit, obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, and live by the principles of the Bible, you will escape the snares of the devil—the fowlers (Psalm 124:7; Romans 8:14).
The fowlers are the enemies: the devil, his demons, and the humans who are loyal to him.
Not only that God will cause you to escape, their snares shall be broken and destroyed (Psalm 124:7). In other words, their plans would be foiled or aborted over your life!

Note:
• There are snares in life which the devil would want to entrap you with, especially on the assignment given to you—if you are called or assigned into the ministry work.
• However, when you made it your habit to always want to follow God’s leadings, you will be able to escape the snares and not be a victim of evil.
• You will not be a prey in the hand of the devil when you learn to walk in obedience to God’s instructions (Hebrews 11:8).
The danger in whatever the work or assignment you are given is when you turn your back against God’s Word and the specific instructions given to you by Him.

You should always declare that your help is in God Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8).
Also, talk always about God's goodness in your life and the assignment or ministry.
The testimonies of what God has done would strengthen other people’s faith.

You will not fail in Jesus' name. Peace!