In your presence, there is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). In the presence of God is where we want to be, where there is fullness of joy. Where even in times of grief and sorrow, we can be reminded that we have hope in God.

The Bible, in the book of Exodus, tells us that the Lord spoke to Moses and told him to leave Mount Sinai with the people of Israel. God said to Moses that His presence would go with him, and He would give him rest (Exodus 33:14-16). Moses then said that if God’s presence was not with him, he did not want to go. This is the position that we need to take. In all that we do, we do it with the presence of God.

Everywhere

God’s presence is everywhere. The Bible says that no matter where we go, God’s presence is there (Psalm 139:7-10). There is no place we can ever go where God is not present.

We, the people of the new covenant who have been saved and given the Holy Spirit, have the privilege of God’s presence with us always. As we continue to grow in Christ, sometimes we forget this truth and begin to think that we are alone. But we are not alone, we need to proclaim the truth that God walks with us. He is our fortress and refuge, not just in times of need, but always (Psalm 18:2).

Dwelling Place

The word tells us that the dwelling place of God is with man. When God dwells with us, He will be our God, and He will wipe away our tears (Revelation 21:3-4). When we are in His presence, He is our comfort and takes away all our sorrows. The word of God says that the Lord will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). This verse tells us that His presence is with us always.

However, The Lord says that He dwells in the high and holy place, and He dwells with him who has a repentant heart (Isaiah 57:15). We must be aware that even though God will not leave us, we can leave Him. We can choose to draw away from Him. When we sin and do the things that are not of God, we drift away from His presence. Romans tells us that men can become so unrighteous that God gives them up to their immorality (Romans 1:28-29), and they will eventually reap God’s judgement. Remember that God does not force his presence on us; we have a choice.

Community

The word of God tells us where two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, He is there among them (Matthew 18:20). We find the presence of God in church community. When we come together as the body of Christ to do his will in agreement, God is with us. He is there hearing us, speaking to us, enabling us to encourage and build up one another. He speaks with us through each other, and we are edified by the testimonies of each other.

Love

The Bible also tells us that whoever abides in love, abides in God and God abides in Him (1 John 4:16). When we are saved, we begin to understand what true love (God’s love) is and realise that we need to redefine our definition of love. This love is unconditional love that seeks to care for others without measure. We should be able to give lovingly anything that is needed, our time, our finances, our food, our presence and more.  When we are able to live our lives abiding in love, that is loving everyone through all circumstances, then we are operating in true love which is God, and so we are experiencing the presence of God.

Refreshing

The word says that when we have repented and turned to God, our refreshing comes from the presence of God (Acts 3:20). Living this life, as a child of the most high God in a world that tries to pull us in the opposite direction, can become tiring. But our purpose which God has called us to is renewed by His presence. We need to look for our revival from the presence of God. When we remember His presence is with us in all that we do, we are reminded of why we are here. His presence reminds us of what He has done for us and why we should love God and love others as ourselves.

Immanuel

The name of Jesus itself speaks of God’s presence. Isaiah spoke the word of God, saying that the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). Immanuel is Jesus, and He is God who came on earth to be with His people, to live with us, to teach us how to live and to save us. And when Jesus left this earth, the Spirit of God came to be with us, to dwell in us and be the presence of God within us (Acts 1:4-5). We have the Holy Spirit to help, to comfort, to teach, to guide, and so much more. Matthew explains that Immanuel means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Salvation

Moses (Exodus 33:14-16) went on to tell God that His presence with them shall show all other people that they have favour with God. Moses said that God’s presence with them makes them distinct from all other people on the face of the earth.

Why should we want people to see God and His favour upon us? The Bible tells us that God’s kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). We want people to see God’s favour and kindness towards us so that they will want this kindness and ultimately want salvation. We should want to be seen as distinct so that people can see the difference between the world and a life in the presence of God.

If you do not yet know this God, it is not too late, search for Him. The word says that when we seek the Lord, with all our heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). His presence is there waiting for us to seek Him. It is not hard to find; it is not hidden from us. The word tells us that God is at our door, knocking and if we answer, He will come in and be our God (Revelation 3:20).  

Terrifying

But we need to be aware that the presence of the Lord can be a terrible thing when we sin or turn away from Him to do the things of this world. The Bible warns the earth that they will tremble in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 114:7). He will not allow injustice and wrongdoing to go unjudged, but a fury of fire will consume those against God’s righteousness (Hebrews 10:26). God’s word warns us that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. So, let us repent and make sure that we turn back to God where needed. Let us live according to His word and be in the presence of the Lord always.

Summary

• The presence of God is with us
• The presence of God can lead to salvation
• God’s presence is everywhere
• God dwells with man
• Presence of God is in community
• The presence of God is abiding in love
• The presence of God refreshes us
• Jesus’ name Immanuel means God with us
• But if we are not saved, it is a terrible thing to be in the presence of God.

All photos were taken by Kyle or Vani. These photos are from the many adventures we have been blessed to experience together. We are so grateful for every blessing from God. No filters were used nor were the photos edited except for an occasional crop. We hope you enjoy.