Rejoice in the Presence of God By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Psalm 16:11 – “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Introduction
In a world filled with turmoil, fear, and uncertainty, the divine command to rejoice in the presence of God stands as a beacon of hope and strength for His people. The passage provided delivers a powerful message: God calls His people to be uplifted in the joy of His presence, resisting the enemy’s attempts to steal their peace through fear and despair. By giving thanks and praise, believers invite the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain them, shielding them from the darkness that seeks to devour. This lesson explores the transformative power of rejoicing in God, the dangers of succumbing to worldly fears, and the eternal consequences of the choices we make. Through a deep dive into the passage, supported by relevant scriptures, we will uncover how believers can remain steadfast in faith, reject the lies of the enemy, and walk in the eternal life God has prepared.
The message emphasizes that God’s people are not meant to be ruled by fear or conformed to the world’s corruption. Instead, they are called to focus on God, trust in His supreme power, and live in the joy that comes from His presence. This lesson will address the spiritual warfare believers face, the consequences of pride and carnality, and the blessing of being guided by the Holy Spirit. In these perilous times, the call to rejoice is both a privilege and a responsibility, urging us to live as witnesses of God’s eternal truth.
________________________________________
The Power of Rejoicing in God
The passage begins with a divine command to be uplifted in the joy of God’s presence through thanks and praise. Rejoicing is not a passive act but an active choice to focus on God’s goodness, regardless of circumstances. When believers praise God, they invoke the power of His Holy Spirit, which shields them from the enemy’s influence and fills them with divine joy. This joy is not fleeting but a constant source of strength that God provides repeatedly to those who trust in Him.
Nehemiah 8:10 – “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The joy of the Lord is a fortress against the enemy’s tactics. By choosing to rejoice, believers align themselves with God’s purposes, resisting the discouragement and despair that the enemy seeks to impose. This act of worship not only uplifts the individual but also serves as a testimony to others, demonstrating the power of God’s presence in a world filled with darkness.
________________________________________
Resisting the Enemy’s Fear
The passage warns against being ruled by fear, which is a primary tool of the enemy to rob believers of their joy. In these times of spiritual warfare, the enemy employs tactical threats to intimidate God’s people, but the passage assures us that God does not intend for His people to live in fear. Instead, they are called to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty and protection. Listening to the voices of fear leads to weariness, but focusing on God brings clarity and strength.
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Fear is a weapon of the enemy, but faith is the shield of the believer. By keeping our focus on God, we can discern the lies of the enemy and stand firm in the truth. The passage reminds us that the enemy’s threats are empty compared to the power of God, who is our refuge and strength. Believers must reject fear and embrace the faith that comes from trusting in God’s promises.
________________________________________
The Folly of Pride and Carnality
The passage highlights the destructive nature of pride, describing those who assume themselves to be masters and rulers but are enslaved by their own wickedness. Such individuals, blinded by pride, lead others into ruin, causing entire nations to fall into devastation and damnation. This pride is rooted in trusting the arm of flesh—whether one’s own or another’s—rather than relying on God. The passage warns that such carnality leads to a sentence of death, as it separates people from the eternal life God offers.
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Pride is a deceptive force that blinds individuals to their need for God. The passage underscores that those who trust in carnality or worldly power are choosing a path that leads to destruction. As believers, we are called to humility, recognizing that true strength and guidance come from God alone. By rejecting pride and carnality, we align ourselves with God’s eternal purposes and avoid the fate of those who are led astray.
________________________________________
The Eternal Consequences of Choices
The passage emphasizes that the choices made on earth determine one’s eternal destiny. Those who choose to follow God will be with Him forever, while those who align with dark forces will face eternal damnation. This sobering truth underscores the urgency of living for God and rejecting the corruption of the world. The passage warns against the deception of believing one can serve two masters, as such a path leads to spiritual death.
Matthew 6:24 – “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
The choice between God and the world is clear. Those who love the world and trust in its fleeting pleasures despise God and forfeit His eternal blessings. Believers must remain vigilant, ensuring that their allegiance is to God alone. The passage calls us to live with eternity in view, making choices that honor God and lead to life everlasting.
________________________________________
The Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The passage assures believers that the Holy Spirit is their guide, keeping them from the wickedness that abounds in these times. Through the Spirit’s guidance, believers can walk in the higher way God has prepared, free from the corruption of the world. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in righteousness, resist temptation, and remain steadfast in their faith.
John 16:13 – “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to His people, providing wisdom, discernment, and strength. By relying on the Spirit, believers can navigate the challenges of these times without being consumed by the world’s darkness. The passage encourages us to trust in the Spirit’s guidance, knowing that God is able to supply all our needs and lead us into His perfect will.
________________________________________
The Supremacy of God’s Power
The passage reminds us that God is stronger and mightier than all the powers of this earth. No matter how formidable the enemy’s forces may seem, God remains supreme. By focusing on His power and giving Him thanks and praise, believers can overcome the challenges of this world and walk in victory. The passage calls us to serve God with gladness, trusting in His ability to bring us through any trial.
1 John 4:4 – “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
God’s power is unmatched, and His presence is our greatest resource. The passage encourages believers to meditate on God’s faithfulness, recognizing the countless ways He has provided and protected them. By praising God, we invite His power into our lives, enabling us to live as overcomers in a world filled with opposition.
________________________________________
Summary
The passage calls believers to rejoice in God’s presence, resisting the enemy’s attempts to instill fear and despair. By giving thanks and praise, believers can experience the joy and strength that come from the Holy Spirit. The passage warns against the dangers of pride and carnality, which lead to destruction, and emphasizes the eternal consequences of the choices we make. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can walk in righteousness, trusting in God’s supreme power to lead them into eternal life.
________________________________________
Conclusion
The call to rejoice in God’s presence is a powerful antidote to the darkness of this world. As believers, we are called to live in the joy of the Lord, reject the lies of the enemy, and trust in God’s guidance. By focusing on His power and faithfulness, we can navigate the challenges of these times with confidence and hope. Let us commit to serving God alone, walking in the light of His truth, and living with eternity in view.
________________________________________
Call to Action
Embrace the command to rejoice by cultivating a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving. Reject fear and pride by keeping your focus on God and trusting in His promises. Share the truth of God’s love and power with others, encouraging them to choose the path of eternal life. Pray for those who are lost in the world’s darkness, and support ministries that proclaim the gospel with boldness.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
No matter the challenges you face, God’s presence is your source of strength and joy. Rejoice in Him, trust in His power, and know that He is guiding you toward a future filled with hope. Let your life be a testimony of His goodness, shining brightly in a world that needs His light.
________________________________________
Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging my need for Your salvation. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior and Lord. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. Thank You for Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
