The Gift of Presence…

“And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.”  Ephesians 1:13b (NLT)

I love to get presents. I know how that sounds, but it’s true. They’re tangible evidence I was on the giver’s mind. And every time I see or use them, I remember who gave them to me; it’s like they’re with me.

Which brings me to my favorite kind of present. I call it the gift of presence. It’s the gift of time spent together. It’s friends and family coming to visit, holidays together, lunch with a friend, date nights, double dates, baseball games, family reunions, day trips, retreats, small group, ministry events, etc.

The presence of the ones I spend time with lingers long after we go our separate ways. Smells, places, words, and things remind me of our time together.

Jesus gives every one of His followers the ultimate gift of Presence. Holy Spirit lives inside every single Jesus-follower (John 14:26). He is always with us. He is our Helper, Teacher, and Counselor.

Holy Spirit gives gifts too (1st Corinthians 12:4 & 11). And He displays His presence in our lives with His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). We get to spend every day enjoying all the benefits of His presence (Galatians 5:25). Best part ever? We can remember those times, but they just keep coming. Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is never-ending!

LORD, thank You for not leaving me alone and for giving me Holy Spirit. Thank You for all the great memories we’ve created together over the years. Help me practice being alert to Your presence on a more consistent basis. Thank You for all the love the gift of Your presence represents in my life!

And LORD, for those reading this, please make Your love visible to them in a very specific and personal way today. May they see You, trust You, and delight in You even more than they already do. Bless them with a tangible reminder that You are right there with them. Thank You!

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.