Our Ever Present God
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Revelation 21 and Psalm 144 (NIV)
(David Blakely from Wesley Counselling Services)
READ:
Revelation 21:2-4 (NIV)
[2] I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
OBSERVE:
The Apostle John starts the book of Revelation by clearly stating that this book is completely about Jesus. Jesus gives the revelation (Revelation 1:1), frees us from sin by His own blood (1:5), and wants to call His church family into intimacy with Him (1:11).
By the time we get to chapter 21, John is making it clear that Jesus is drawing us to be His beautiful bride, dwelling intimately with Him, with freedom from all suffering.
APPLY:
I recently took a trip home to the US. This trip included a time of reflection with my father about his younger sister Kathy. My parents divorced when I was three years old. At that time my Aunt Kathy stepped into the gap left by my mother and tried her best to give love and stability to my life. She was always present, but I wasn’t always appreciative. I made life difficult for my aunt; in some ways I pushed my pain regarding my mother onto her. It was only after she died of cancer that I finally took time to acknowledge how present Kathy was in my life.
Likewise, throughout the Holy Scriptures, God reminds us that He is ever present in our life’s journeys. He assures us of His love and His nearness in every moment—and promises that one day, we will experience true relief from all suffering.
Just like with my Aunt Kathy, I sometimes overlook how present God already is. His loving presence offers a glimpse of how wonderful it will be when all suffering ends.
DO:
I will take five minutes this week to pause and write down the names of people in my life who may have reflected God’s love for me. Once the list is complete, I will tell God and those individuals ‘Thank you’.
PRAY:
Lord, thank You for being present even when I don’t acknowledge You. Help me today to dwell on the truth that You are here and You love me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
