"Break forth into joy oh my soul,
Break forth into joy oh my soul!
In the presence of the Lord, there is joy forever more.
Break forth, break forth, into joy oh my soul"

Jesus promised at the end of His commission to the eleven disciples:
"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20

In John 14:16-17 Jesus tells His disciple in His last discourse with them before His crucifixion, "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."

Then in Hebrews 13:5 the writer tells us, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said;' 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.'"

Looking at these verses we see that we are always in the presence of our Most Holy God; The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. But not only this!
Jesus prays to the Father, not only for the disciples, but in John 17:20-21 for those who will believe through their word, "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us..."

Can you comprehend such a thing? This is God who is outside of creation!
The very One who created ALL things. Awesome and Holy is He! And He desires fellowship with us. Imagine! It takes my breath away!

The Old Testament also speaks of His divine presence. He is the loving and caring God for fallen mankind.
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go..." Genesis 28:15

And for His people:
Exodus 33:14 speaks of rest,
"And He said, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'"

Deuteronomy 20:1 speaks of courage in battle, "When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord God is with you..."

Isaiah 43:2 speaks of comfort in trials, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned..."

So we sing, 'In the presence of the Lord there is joy forever more'
Isaiah 51:11 speaks of everlasting joy:
"So the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads; They will obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away."

Philip witnessing to the Samaritans (Read Acts 8:5-13) speaks of great joy, "And there was great joy in that city." Vs. 8

John's introduction to his first letter speaking of the relationship with Christ Jesus (Read 1 John 1:1-4) speaks of full joy, "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." Vs. 4

1 Peter 1:7-8 speaking of the trials for the present says, "That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.
Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory."

Thank you Lord Jesus for you said in John 15:11, "These things I have spoken to you, that MY joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."  It is the joy of our Lord that is ours! Hallelujah!
Amen