JUNE 13 – DON’T YOU KNOW?

“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it” (Genesis 28:16).

On many occasions, you are unable to feel God’s presence because you forget His promises and the covenant made with Him.

There came a situation when Jacob had to run from his home fearing his elder brother. That was the first time he left his home all alone and he was worried over how his future would be. During the travel the sun went down and he had no bed or pillow for him to lie down. He began to sleep, keeping a stone as a pillow. He might have cried saying, “I am leaving everyone. Has God too gone away from me?”

But God did not forget Jacob. Even when Jacob was not thinking of God, He appeared before him. He promised saying, “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants” (Genesis 28:13). Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” Many times, you may not be knowing the presence of God. You might have gone away from the love of God. Be aware that His arm will follow you wherever you go.

Don’t you know that God will be with you even when you are cast into the lion’s den? Don’t you know that He can walk in a furnace even when it is heated seven times more than usual? Has He not promised, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2)?

Indeed, Jonah was a big prophet. But he did not know that the hand of God will follow and catch him wherever he went. That is why he boarded the ship to Tarshish instead of going to Nineveh. Where could one run, getting away from the presence of God? God was with Jonah even during the ship travel and brought a great tempest on the sea. Even when Jonah was thrown into the sea, God protected him by making a fish swallow him. God stayed with Jonah in the stomach of the fish and protected his life. Even when the fish vomited Jonah, God remained with Jonah and gave him the glorious ministry.

Dear children of God, always be aware that God is with you at all times.

To meditate: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, you are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (Psalm 139:7, 8).