Let the beautiful melodies remind you of the importance of God's presence over worldly achievements.
Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.”
— Exodus 33:15
It is possible to experience success and yet be void of God's presence. If success is what is important to you, you may be tempted to choose accomplishments over your relationship with God. God offered to send an angel with the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land to ensure their success in every venture. No army could withstand them. No city wall could stop them. The wealth of the land lay before them. Everything they had ever dreamed of appeared to be theirs for the taking. The only thing missing would be the presence of God. God said they were an obstinate people, and He would not go with them when their hearts were far from Him.
The Israelites’ experience reveals that victory and great accomplishments are not necessarily a sign of God's presence. Do not assume that your good health, your profitable business, or the growth of your ministry is due to the presence of God. It may be that you have inadvertently chosen success over your walk with the Lord. Moses wisely concluded that success, no matter how great, is not a substitute for fellowship with God. Moses knew how quickly worldly achievements could disappear. His security came from his relationship with God. Success in the world's eyes is not a sign of God's blessing. It may, in fact, indicate that you have chosen a substitute for intimate fellowship with God. Would you be satisfied to have success, power, and wealth, but not a relationship with God? Do you value God's presence in your life more than the greatest achievements you could experience in the world?
From Experiencing God Daily Devotionals (c) 1998 by Henry Blackaby and Richard Blackaby
Meditate the Word.
🌱 Evaluate Your Success: Reflect on your recent successes and accomplishments. Have they drawn you closer to God, or have they become a substitute for your relationship with Him?
🌱 Seek True Security: Consider where you find your security. Is it in your achievements and possessions, or in your intimate fellowship with God?
🌱 Desire God's Presence: Think about the importance of God's presence in your life. How can you prioritize your relationship with Him over the pursuit of success?
It is possible to experience worldly success and yet be void of God's presence. True success is not measured by accomplishments or wealth but by our relationship with God. Moses understood this when he refused to go forward without God's presence, even if it meant forfeiting the Promised Land.
Challenge yourself to seek intimate fellowship with Him,
valuing His guidance and blessing more than any achievement.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the reminder that true success comes from Your presence in our lives. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You over worldly achievements. Align our hearts with Your will and guide us in all our pursuits. May our successes be a testament to Your grace and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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