God’s presence offers tremendous blessings and security. Oh, what excitement when believers discover that joy, perpetual pleasure, and divine protection are inherent in being close to God!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ … He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:1-2, 4 (ESV)
Dwelling in God’s shelter results in divine protection and refuge. Unbroken, unfettered joy, and perpetual pleasure are in the presence of God. You can be rich, protected, and contented for a while without God, but perpetual joy and pleasure are only found in God’s presence.
When Cain is banished from the presence of God, he realizes the weight of his punishment. In the biblical narrative from Genesis, after Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy, God pronounced a punishment on him.
“Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden.'” Genesis 4:13-14 (ESV)
Daniel 3 illustrates the profound presence of God during challenging times. We see the image of the Son of God in the midst of fire, walking to protect and accompany the three Hebrews.
Psalm 16:11 (ESV) says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
In this narrative, King Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive image and commands everyone to bow down and worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, faithful followers of God, refuse to worship the image, defying the king’s decree.
Their unwavering commitment to their faith leads to their confrontation with the king, who threatens to cast them into a fiery furnace. In the face of this life-threatening situation, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego express confidence in God’s ability to deliver them, stating, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace” Daniel 3:17.
The king, infuriated by their refusal to worship the image, orders the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. As the three are thrown into the flames, an extraordinary manifestation of God’s presence occurs. Instead of being consumed by the fire, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walk unharmed in the midst of the furnace.
Notably, a fourth figure is seen walking with them, which was the manifestation of God Himself. This supernatural presence not only shields them from harm but also demonstrates God’s direct involvement in their trial. The king, witnessing this miraculous event, acknowledges the presence of a divine being and praises the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Daniel 3 underscores the reality that even in the midst of adversity, God’s presence is not only a source of protection but also a testament to His sovereignty. This encourages us to trust in God’s presence during tough times, knowing that His power can turn the most perilous situations into opportunities for divine intervention and manifestation. What gives us boldness to laugh in the midst of challenges is the awareness that the Son of God is always with us.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk