Christian Writers Circle

Power in the Present
by Brenda D. Flowers

Isaiah 7: 14 (NKJV)  Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:  Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

It’s mid-December, 2021, when I am writing this post. Many people, like me, are hustling and bustling to prepare for holiday gatherings, while still trying to maintain daily responsibilities. It’s a busy time of year!

So often, I am tempted to spend this time of year thinking about the future as I prepare to decorate, buy gifts, clean, and get ready for upcoming parties or family Christmas activities. 

If you’re like me, you don’t want to get caught in the busyness, focusing on endless “to do” lists. 

I want to live more intentionally each day with gratefulness and joy in my heart, focusing on what’s important each day, heeding God’s will.

I realize the importance of living today in a way that counts, and 

I have the assurance that God is my present help in my time of need. (See Psalm 46:1)

Reflect with me on the meanings of the word, present, and the power we have in the present. 

Our Heavenly Father gave us the best present of all when He gave us His Son, Jesus. He knew His Son would have to die sacrificially, as the perfect Lamb who would take away the sins of the world,  so that whosoever would believe in Him would have everlasting life. (John 3:16) 

Jesus, fully God, was willing to become fully Man, starting out in the womb of Mary, a virgin, being born in very difficult circumstances, and experiencing daily struggles by growing up in a sinful world, yet He was without sin. 

As we focus on Jesus, we experience peace in the midst of our circumstances.

The prophet Isaiah wrote of the coming Messiah over 700 years before Jesus was born.

 Fulfilled prophecy proves the truth of the gospel message and gives us hope. Followers of Christ are empowered by Holy Spirit’s presence in our daily lives.

The song, “Immanuel,” by Michael Card summarizes the truth of the Scriptures and God’s wonderful presence. God is with us. I hope you will take the time to listen to this song on YouTube.com as well as the song, “The Name of the Promise is Jesus.”  These songs powerfully proclaim the fulfillment of prophecies about the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ.

We are not left to face tomorrow alone. God is here with us right now, giving us everything we need to experience a full joyful life no matter the circumstances we are facing.

Prayer:  Immanuel, thank You. May I give you glory each day as I focus on You. Thank You for Your sweet presence and the power You give us to live life abundantly. We are blessed in the present by You, the best gift of all. Amen