When God identified Himself to Moses, He said, "I AM WHO I AM." This may seem like a strange name to us, but in essence, it is saying that He has existed from eternity past to the present and into future eternity. In other words, God's presence is a certainty.

However, His presence manifested itself in different ways throughout Jewish history. For example, when God led the children of Israel through the wilderness, He went before them in a pillar of cloud during the day, and in a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13:21). After the tabernacle was built, he would meet Moses there and speak to him above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:22). While these were visible physical manifestations, they also symbolized His eternal presence.

Then, when Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land, God said, "I will be with you; I will not leave you nor forsake you" and "I will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:5,9). These promises are also for us, for they give us the assurance that God will never abandon his children.

So remember that our heavenly Father goes before us to prepare the way, and He accompanies us in every situation. Let us pray today to be aware of His presence in our lives.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your name is a name full of promise. You promise me not to leave me alone, you promise me that you will be with me day and night, and you are faithful to your promises. I ask you to make me fall more in love with you, just because you are God, the Great I AM. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

1. Exodus 3:13-14 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.