I was flat on my back in a hospital bed, awaiting surgery to repair a herniated disc. Yet in spite of uncertainties, discomfort, and loneliness, I felt completely encased in God’s peace, peace that defied explanation, just like the Bible says (Philippians 4:7).
A few days later, at home and on the mend, I embarked on a scripture search of verses that described what I had experienced—God‘s enveloping presence. Here are a few examples.
God’s presence is…
…around us. “You are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head” (Psalm 3:3).
…at our right hand. “I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand” (Psalm 73:23).*
…before us. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
…beneath us as our foundation. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says. ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed'” (Isaiah 28:16).
…in us. “To them God has chosen to make known…the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
…over us. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4a).
…surrounding us. “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him” (Psalm 32:10b).
…with us. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4a).
Think of it. Every moment of every day we are cocooned in God’s presence, a presence which is
• protective
• peaceful
• uplifting
• trustworthy
• loving
I think I hear God whispering to each of us, “Snuggle in, my child!”
(Which verse above spoke most profoundly to your heart? Share with us your choice and the reason behind it. Your story might be just what someone else needs to hear right now.)
*For the November 26 post, I researched the significance of the right hand of God. Access it in the archives if you missed it and you’re curious!
From the Inside Out 
Deuteronomy 31:8 spoke specifically to me. If He goes before us, that means that He is leading and I must follow. I made my career in telephony and would be celebrating 40 years at my job on December 18. For the past two years I had been extremely stressed out with the numerous changes to my job, as well as the attitude prevalent in the workplace. I had been off for short-term disability in 2011 for anxiety and depression. (In many ways there is a lack of humanity in the corporate world these days.) I didn’t feel comfortable with retiring because I had been helping two of my nephews financially for quite some time. I felt that I couldn’t just retire and leave them stranded that way. The Lord, however, ‘informed’ me that it was time for me to retire, which I did on September 28. My one nephew encouraged me as he was working a lot of overtime and was doing well, so I believed he would be OK without my help. Last month I learned that he was really struggling financially and would be for two more years. The Lord gave me an idea of how I could go back to helping him. I DEFINITELY believe that the Lord wanted me to retire when I retired; I DEFINITELY believe that He wanted me to help my nephew again and He provided me with the way that I could.
Thank you for sharing, Cheri. I never tire of hearing stories about God engineering circumstances for His children, to benefit them and others!
Nancy, today I picked up on your blog about the crocked stick. What a treasure you are. I flelt the love of our Lord as I read. Looking foward to other blogs.
Ann Lopez
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Thank you, Ann, for your sweet encouragement. It warms my heart to think God used the post to express His love to you!