Freedom in the Presence of Jesus

Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered.

Psalm 68:1

It’s been on my heart lately, something I’ve observed in the way we, as Christians, sometimes frame our spiritual journeys. I’ve noticed, and perhaps you have too, a tendency to focus a lot on the adversary. You know, those conversations where the devil is the central figure, the antagonist in every story. We recount his supposed actions, our battles against him, the long nights spent in fervent rebuke. It’s like he’s the star of the show, the one we’re giving all the attention to.

And it got me thinking. How often do we speak with the same fervor about what the Lord is whispering to our hearts? How often do we share the gentle nudges, the profound revelations, the quiet reassurances that come from our Savior? It feels, at times, that we’ve tuned our spiritual radios to the wrong frequency, amplifying the static of the enemy’s noise while the sweet melody of God’s voice fades into the background.

It’s a delicate balance, isn’t it? We acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare. The Bible doesn’t shy away from it. But are we allowing the enemy to occupy more space in our minds and conversations than Jesus himself? Are we becoming more “devil-conscious” than “Jesus-conscious”? It’s a question worth pondering.

I recall a conversation I had with a medical doctor, a well-meaning and intelligent woman. She was speaking about spiritual warfare in the context of physical ailments. She insisted that to effectively pray against a condition, one must first know its precise medical name, its intricate details. “It’s like military strategy,” she asserted. “You must know your enemy.”

Her confidence was palpable, and I understood her logic. In a worldly sense, her argument held weight. However, I gently countered her perspective. “While understanding the nature of the challenge is important,” I said, “I believe the most crucial military strategy is knowing your Commander-in-Chief and His directives.”

You see, focusing solely on the enemy, dissecting his tactics, and dwelling on his power can inadvertently give him more authority than he deserves. It can lead to fear, anxiety, and a sense of being overwhelmed. It can also cause us to miss the quiet, powerful presence of Jesus, our ultimate Commander.

Think about it. In the grand scheme of things, the devil is a defeated foe. Jesus triumphed over him on the cross. His power is limited, his influence temporary. Our focus should be on the One who holds all authority, the One who has already secured our victory.

The Bible beautifully illustrates this truth in Psalm 68:1: “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered.” It’s a powerful declaration, a reminder that God’s presence is the ultimate weapon against any adversary. When we magnify the Lord, when we dwell on His goodness and His power, the enemy’s influence diminishes.

This isn’t to say we should ignore the reality of spiritual battles. But our approach should be rooted in faith, not fear. Instead of obsessing over the enemy’s tactics, we should immerse ourselves in the presence of Jesus. We should cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with Him, learning His directives, and trusting in His unfailing love.

Practicing the presence of Jesus is a transformative experience. It’s about being aware of His nearness in every moment, in every situation. It’s about recognizing His hand in our lives, His guidance in our decisions, His comfort in our sorrows. It’s about shifting our focus from the problems around us to the One who is greater than any problem.

How do we practice His presence? It starts with intentionality. We can begin by setting aside time each day for prayer and meditation, focusing on His Word, and listening for His still, small voice. We can cultivate gratitude, thanking Him for His blessings, both big and small. We can seek His guidance in every decision, asking for His wisdom and discernment.

We can also choose to speak His name more often, to share His goodness with others, to testify to His faithfulness. When we magnify Jesus in our conversations, in our thoughts, and in our actions, we create an atmosphere of His presence.

It’s like changing the lens through which we view the world. Instead of seeing darkness and despair, we begin to see light and hope. Instead of focusing on our weaknesses, we recognize His strength. Instead of dwelling on our fears, we embrace His perfect love, which casts out all fear.

My dear friends, let’s make a conscious effort to tune our spiritual radios to the right frequency. Let’s amplify the voice of Jesus in our lives, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our being. Let’s shift our focus from the enemy’s noise to the Savior’s gentle whisper.

Let’s begin to truly know our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ. Let’s experience the fullness of His presence and His unmerited favor. Let’s see the transformative power He brings to every situation.

And as we journey together, seeking to deepen our understanding of God’s word and His love, I invite you to explore Moralisee.com and discover the daily devotions that offer guidance, encouragement, and a deeper connection with our Lord. You will find a community of believers that are trying to lift Jesus’ name high. Let us all strive to magnify Jesus, and let His enemies be scattered.