God is with the obedient, according to Genesis 28:15. The Word of God says, “And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (Genesis 28:15).
What Does the Bible Say about the Presence of God?
God was with the children of Israel during the exodus. Exodus 13:21-22 tells the story. He went before them during the day in a pillar of a cloud. He also led them at night in a pillar of fire. He gave them light. When God made Pharaoh let the children of Israel go, the presence of God was evident in things that He allowed or sent to weaken Pharoah’s grip.
Psalm 139 speaks of God’s presence. God is in heaven, but not just there. If someone makes their bed in hell, God is there. God is everywhere, and there is no escaping Him. Even when man transgressed and hid in the morning dew, God was there (Genesis 3:8). If humanity travels to the outer parts of the universe, God is still there. God made the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1).
We have joy in being in God’s presence. Psalms 16:11 says, “Thy presence is fullness of joy.” Those who fear God will hide in His presence (Psalm 31:19-20). God’s presence protects us from the wrath of man. You have heard stories about people being shielded from destruction and calamity. Some say it was as if a guardian angel protected them. I have heard of people being lost in the wilderness and found without harm. There is simply no other explanation.
Look at Psalm 91. Verse one declares, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This Psalm also says that God will cover us with His feathers, and under His wings shall we trust.
When you make the Lord your refuge and help, these are the benefits. This is a good Psalm to include in your daily prayer. This Psalm will speak protection over you, your family, and your community. I have heard many testimonies of how people have felt the presence of God hovering over them.
What Happens When We Are in God’s Presence?
When you are in the presence of God, you get your needs met. God is our Heavenly Father. Parents want to help their children. You have favor with God. If God is drawing near to you, He wants to assist you. You are living a life that is pleasing to Him. Some say that as God draws near, He might speak to you. God responds to the prayers of the saints.
Look at Deuteronomy 20:1. It says, “When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, be not afraid of them. God is with thee.” Before King David went to avenge the destruction of
Ziklag, he inquired of the Lord (1 Samuel 30:8). He asked God if he should pursue. God told him, “Pursue thou shalt surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”
When Samson wanted God to avenge him against his enemies, he asked God to give him strength. Samson had been betrayed by Delilah (Judges 16). The Philistines had shaved his head and gouged out his eyes (Judges 16:21-22). God did strengthen Samson during that last hour. He tore down some pillars, and many others died with him. The people that died with him were more than he had killed before his death.
What Makes the Presence of God Special if He’s Always There?
We know that God is always everywhere. However, it feels unique when we have evidence of His presence. Maybe it’s because we are limited and he is not, so we don’t always feel how close he is. When we feel His Spirit in us, we get super excited. When God is moving in the church as we are there, it is an impressive experience.
Many people try to figure out how God is omnipresent or everywhere simultaneously. The Bible also declares that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. Neither are His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8). God is everywhere, but when we can discern His presence, that is something. It means that we are drawing nearer to God through studying His Word or our relationship with Him. The Bible also says that God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
These days many people are saddled with everyday issues. Some are still recovering from the effects of COVID-19, having lost family members, friends, church members, or co-workers. Some people have lost jobs and status. We are rebuilding. Having God draw near you when facing challenges is a formidable experience. It helps to catapult you to the next phase in life.
You must learn how to usher in the presence of God. That is why we have praise teams at church and choirs. Psalm 100 encourages us to “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 100:1). We are to enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise, be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4).
King David could always be found praising the Lord. So many times, King David missed the mark, but he knew what many of us have come to know is that the Lord loves praise. God loves to be magnified.
That is how our Father expects us to act. He knows that we have issues. He knows the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But He is God, and there is none above Him. He is worthy of the glory and worthy of the praise. We must grasp whom we serve and how magnificent He is.
A Prayer Thanking God for His Presence
God, we thank you for revealing yourself to this generation. We know that Moses stood before You in the burning bush (Exodus 3). We know God has spoken to various prophets and still speaks to His people today.
God, you are Holy, and You require us to be holy because You are Holy. Your word declares that holiness is a requirement of the upright. Guide us ever closer to your holiness.
Heavenly Father, we enter Your gates with thanksgiving and into Your courts with praise. We thank you for being Jehovah Jireh, Lord God our Provider. We thank You for being Jehovah Nissi, our banner, victory, and standard. We thank you for being Jehovah Rophi, the Lord who heals us. We thank you for being Jehovah Tsidkenu, the Lord our Righteousness. We thank you for being Jehovah Shalom, the Lord is our Peace. We call you Jehovah Rohi, The Lord our Shepherd.
We know that whatever we need, you are. We long to be near You and to remain in Your presence. In Your presence are peace and security. We long for Your character. Teach us Your ways so that we may teach others.
We know you as El Elyon, the Most High God. We thank you for being El Shaddai, the Almighty God. We know there is power in knowing your attributes. You are the God of Moses, Isaac, and Jacob. You are the God of Abraham, David, and Solomon.
Father, there is none like You. There is none before You. You are the true God. You are the Living God. You are not a man that You should lie, nor are you the son of man that You should change Your mind. We thank You for being our protector, keeper, and very present help in times of trouble.
The heavens declare your glory and majesty. The angels are constantly in the presence of Your Glory. Amen.
Further Reading:
What Does It Mean That God Is Omnipresent?
Can Satan Be Everywhere at One Time?
What Does It Mean to Be in the Presence of God?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/wirbnbrinf
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