Rest in His Presence

June 23rd, 2025
by Dr. Josh Franklin

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:5 that "the Lord is at hand." This simple truth—that God is near—has the power to calm our souls in the midst of life’s turbulence.

I remember a recent flying experience where I was sleeping on the flight, but we ran into some turbulence, and it startled me awake. I was a little nervous about this turbulence because it was unexpected and unsettling. But then I looked over at a stewardess who was seated nearby. Her face told a completely different story than my anxious heart.

The stewardess was calm. She was yawning, scrolling on her phone, and completely unbothered by the turbulence. Her demeanor reassured me: if she, someone who flies every day, wasn’t worried, why should I be? If she was calm, I could be calm. So I closed my eyes and went back to sleep.

The same is true with God. When we realize that He is near, holding us by the hand, our fear begins to fade. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that God strengthens, helps, and upholds us. He doesn’t always take away the turbulence, but He gives us peace in the midst of it. His presence becomes our shelter in the storm.

And here’s the amazing part: the Lord isn’t just near; He’s in us. "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Knowing that the Creator of the universe is not only present but dwelling inside of you should fill you with confidence. Rest in that truth today.

Reflection Question: How does knowing that God is with you change the way you face life’s storms?

Father, thank You for being near to me. When life feels turbulent and I’m overwhelmed by fear, help me to rest in Your presence. Remind me that You are my shelter, my strength, and my peace in every trial. Teach me to trust You fully, knowing that You are holding me by the hand. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Adapted from: "God's Answer for Worry": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/2m83fmg/9-god-s-answer-for-worry