MONDAY, APRIL 9
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them…Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”
John 20:19-20 ESV
EQUIPPED WITH THE TRUTH: PRESENCE
A young couple decided to get married. As the big day approached, they grew apprehensive. Each had a problem they had never before shared with anyone, not even each other. The Groom-to-be, overcoming his fear, decided to ask his father for advice. “Father,” he said, “I have very smelly feet, and I’m afraid that my future wife will be put off by them.” “No problem,” said dad. “All you have to do is wash your feet as often as possible, and always wear socks, even to bed.” The bride-to-be, overcoming her fear, decided to take her problem up with her mom. “Mom,” she said, “When I wake up in the morning my breath is truly awful.” “Honey,” her mother consoled, “everyone has bad breath in the morning.” “No, you don’t understand. My morning breath is so bad, I’m afraid that my new husband will not want to sleep in the same room with me.” Her mother said simply, “Try this. In the morning, get straight out of bed, and head for the bathroom and brush your teeth. The key is, not to say a word until you’ve brushed your teeth. Not a word,” her mother affirmed.
The loving couple was finally married in a beautiful ceremony. Not forgetting the advice each had received, he with his perpetual socks and she with her morning silence, they managed quite well. That is, until about six months later. Shortly before dawn, the husband woke to find that one of his socks had come off. Fearful of the consequences, he frantically searched the bed. This, of course, woke his bride, who, without thinking, immediately asked, “What on earth are you doing?” “Oh, no!” he gasped in shock, “You’ve swallowed my sock!”
This newlywed couple learned that being in someone’s presence daily makes a difference. In John 20 the disciples were living in fear of being killed like Jesus was killed. But when Jesus showed up their fear changed to gladness. We also have the promise of Jesus’ daily presence. Jesus taught in Matthew 28:20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
What currently is giving you the most anxiety and fear? What difference would it make if you could physically see Jesus with you navigating this fear? The idea of “practicing His presence” is the idea of continually reminding yourself that Jesus is with you always in Spirit. Try “practicing His presence” today.
