In times like these, I don’t think there is anything as important as seeking regular encounters with the Lord. With so much fear, anxiety and worry, it’s imperative to hear His voice and feel His Spirit’s comforting presence. Though there are many Biblical examples that point to the power of experiencing Jesus, one of my favorites is the story of Simeon. When he was young, possibly even a teenager, this Godly man heard the Holy Spirit tell him that in his lifetime, he would see the Messiah. As the years went by, I almost imagine him walking around Jerusalem searching for the child and becoming discouraged when he couldn’t find him. He grew old and was on death’s doorstep when the Lord finally told him that the Savior had come. At the Holy Spirit’s direction, this now-feeble servant entered the temple and beheld Mary and Joseph as they were about to consecrate the baby Jesus. However, before they had a chance, he ran to them, took the infant in his arms and blessed Him, proclaiming excitedly, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen the coming of your salvation.” In other words, in that encounter with His Savior, Simeon’s soul found such perfect rest that whether he lived or died, he was content.

Friend, if you’ve ever spent such powerful moments with Jesus that it seemed you could take on anything or even give up your life, then you know what it is to experience the glory of God. In these days of uncertainty and fear, there is no better way to live steadfastly and to remain at peace than engaging the very real presence of the Holy Spirit within you. As you fellowship with Him moment-by-moment and invite Him to move in and through every circumstance of your day, He will flood your heart with a peace that surpasses understanding and cushion your life with His eternal comfort. Jesus is the source of your soul’s greatest contentment, and practicing His presence causes fears and troubles to melt into His love.