He Is at Your Right Side

I’ve often wondered, “Shouldn’t I feel the physical presence of the Lord all the time?” One afternoon, I was sharing this thought with an older woman, who responded with a poignant question, “Well, when do you feel like Jesus is with you?” I thought for a moment before answering, “When I am having quiet time, doing Bible study homework, in nature, or sharing a God-story with a someone.” We both were equally surprised and concerned with the implications of my response. My dear friend suggested we ask the Lord to reveal where He is when I don’t sense His presence. Our prayer time began with me admitting to the Lord that I feel distant from Him most of the time, and that I depend more on other people, like my husband or my friends, to meet my need for encouragement and companionship.

As I thought specifically about this, I was especially convicted that I am over-dependent on my husband, looking to him first when it comes to resolving problems and making me feel better. I sincerely asked Jesus to become the one I depend on first and foremost. I prayed for more of His presence to be felt in the midst of my routines, whether washing dishes and folding clothes, or handling two cranky almost two-year olds and navigating through the girls’ homework.

Suddenly, I was struck by an analogy that I believe came from the Holy Spirit, opening my eyes to God’s presence in my life: When my husband and I married, we symbolized our union by wearing wedding bands our left ring finger. That symbol represented our covenant of marriage, a promise to be husband and wife until death due us part. Even when we are separated, our covenant still exists. Location does not change our marital status. My husband is always my husband, even when he goes to work and I am at home. In the same way, I share a covenant with Jesus. God established that covenant relationship when He sent Jesus to this world to ultimately die on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins, and be fully resurrected on the third day. I accepted that covenant relationship when I confessed full belief in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Our relationship was established and lasts beyond eternity. Jesus is always with me, even when I am not in the Word or sharing a God-story. It became clear to me that Jesus is right by my right side. I don’t see Him or feel Him because I’ve stepped away from Him. He doesn’t leave me. I leave Him, clamoring for somebody or something else.

As I thought more deeply about this analogy, my mind was filled with Scriptures about the right hand of God, and suddenly my right ring finger felt naked. I began to think that maybe I ought to put a ring on my right hand to symbolize my covenant relationship with Jesus! I decided to stop at every dollar store on the way home, looking for some sort of ring to remind me of the covenant I have with the Lord. I found none! When I arrived home, I shared the story with my husband. Honestly, I expected him to think I was nuts and just looking for an opportunity to spend money! He had the exact opposite reaction! He even insisted that as a Daughter of the King, I shouldn’t be wearing a dollar store ring! The next day, we did something perfectly against our nature. We went shopping together! By the end of the morning, we found a simple and understated ring to symbolize the covenant I had made with Jesus over a decade ago.

A good bit of time has passed since I began wearing my “Jesus” ring. No, it is not like a good-luck charm, transforming all my co-dependence into perfect holiness, but there has been a transformation in my heart and my habits. More and more, I see the Lord standing on my right side, loving me, supporting me, defending me. Not only that, but noticing the ring on my finger has reminded me to run to my Savior before seeking solace in someone or something else. What a better way to live! One day at a time, one moment at a time, learning to depend on my Savior, who stands at my right side.

Share with us:
How do you remind yourself of Jesus’ presence? Do you believe that He is at your right side, too? Print out these verses and soak them in. Lean into Him and feel His love!

I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
Psalm 18:35

Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Psalm 20:6

Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Psalm 45:9

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23