LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL

By Pastor Mensa Otabil
 
Saturday 23rd May 2026

THE LORD IS THERE

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 48
 
All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE. Ezekiel 48:35
 
Our passage for today is the last verse in the book of Ezekiel. It concludes the revelations that the Lord gave the prophet Ezekiel. In this concluding part of the message he had received from the Lord, Ezekiel speaks about the City of God.
 
The remarkable thing about the vision of the City of God that Ezekiel saw was how the city would be called – The Lord is There, Jehovah (YHWH) Shammah. The name shows us a significant aspect of God’s nature – He is always present. The Lord is generally present everywhere, but the essence of Ezekiel’s vision is the special presence of God in our lives that makes a difference in us.
 
What does Jehovah Shammah mean to us?

The Lord is always present with His people.

When God’s people draw near to Him, He draws near to them. Throughout the scriptures the Lord assures us of His presence in all situations. He was with Moses in the burning bush, Samuel in the Temple and with Paul and Silas in prison. When we feel all alone, the Lord is with us, and when we are in the midst of friends, He is with us.

The Lord is present where His name is honoured.

 He is present in our midst when we gather in His name. Whether in church as we praise and worship Him or at home during family devotion, the Lord, true to His name, has promised to be there. When we stand with the Lord, He stands with us. Joseph stood with the Lord against the temptations of Potiphar’s wife; and the Lord lifted him up to a place of honour.

The Lord’s presence is our dwelling place.

The presence of the Lord is our secret place. In His presence, we live and move and have our being. We go to bed with Him and wake up with Him. Our safety is in the presence of the Lord. It is worthwhile to learn to abide in His presence.
 
The Lord is present with us.
 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are present with me at all times. I take refuge in you; manifest your glory through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.