Experience The Presence of God

“ For you and me, just knowing His presence is all around us can help lift us from the darkest night, embrace us in the loneliest hour, give us strength when we are tempted, and enable us to live confident and secure in His promises.” – Diane H. Moody.

The Bible has many verses on the presence of God. Exodus 33:14 (ESV) says, “… “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Psalm 16:11 (ESV) adds, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Genesis 19:27 (NLT) says, “Abraham got up early that morning and hurried out to the place where he had stood in the LORD’s presence. How about Samuel: “And the LORD blessed Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 2:21 NLT) “Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11 NLT). And finally there is Psalm 84:4 (AMP) which says, “Blessed and greatly favored are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; They will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah.”

One of the greatest gifts of the Christian life is experiencing the presence of God. His presence is essential to knowing Him. Experiencing the presence of God sounds a little scary and very difficult to achieve. Yes, we want it, and sometimes we experience it, but it still remains elusive. Because it is God, we expect His presence to be grand, to be mesmerizing. But in reality, God’s presence can be simple or spectacular. Many presence of God moments happen when we are on the mountaintop. Many don’t.

He is just as real and present in your setbacks and your pain. When we feel a peace that “transcends all understanding” in the midst of tough circumstances, we are experiencing the presence of God in our lives. God shows up even when we’re not on retreat or having a quiet time. He is there when we are paying a parking ticket, or eating lunch, or in chemistry class. His presence can show up in ways we expect, and in ways we do not.

To seek God is to encounter God. Emotions aside, complexities cast away—God is already with you. His Spirit, His presence in the earth, never leaves you and never forsakes you. And when you turn your attention toward Him, you can encounter Him.

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever had a “season of dryness” concerning God’s presence in your life? Are there ways you already experienced God’s presence without realizing it?
What can we do this week to better feel God’s presence?