The Presence of God

The Presence of God is such an incredible thing for those of us who believe in God and have a relationship with Him. It's indescribable. Unexplainable. Every once in a while I will get a taste of the Lord's presence and I want more of it. People define the presence of God in different ways. Some say it is an awareness that God is never not around- knowing that He is always there for me. Others say it is ultimate peace. Another person said It's like a hot shower- once you get in it, you don't want to get out.

The Presence of God is something that is fairly new to me. I don't recall hearing much about it throughout my Christian life. But more and more it is something on my mind, and it is real to me. I get it. I find it amazing. I want more of it. The Presence of God may look different to each person. I believe we enter into God's presence whenever we are praying, reading the Bible, listening to worship music, going to church, and worshiping. I personally think the most effective way to enter God's presence is to put on some worship music and sit at His feet. Just sit or lay down being still before God. Quiet your heart. Let Him speak to you instead of pouring out your heart to Him or talking His ear off. Stop focusing on your problems and struggles and fix your eyes on the problem solver.

The Vision of the church I attend and call home, Vista Assembly of God, pertains to the presence of God. It states: Our vision is simple...restful increase! There is an increase that we can make happen in our lives that comes from hard work, effort, stress and struggles...that leads to an exhausting life. But then there is an increase that goes beyond our efforts, that only God can bring...but that comes from a place of rest...resting in Him! I believe when we enter the presence of God, we open ourselves up to this restful increase. Rest comes from being in His presence.

I am currently attending the 4:23 School of Transformation at Vista Assembly of God and tonight's topic of discussion and lecture was The Presence of God. I would like to share with you a little bit about what I have learned from this class.

In the Old Testament, the presence of God was literal. It was represented through theophanies, an actual appearance of God. "The angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush." Exodus 3:2 It was also represented through the Tabernacle, a mobile temple/church. It was also represented in manifestations, which are different ways in which God revealed Himself that was not an indwelling of the Spirit. However, God's presence was made available to us through Jesus according to Matthew 27:51 "Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom..." The symbolism of this meant that God's people are no longer separated from the presence of God. This truth enabled a reality that God is now with us. "Behold, the virgin shall be with a child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God is with us" Matthew 1:23 It also means God's presence is no in us. "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16


"You will release what it is you are most aware of" -Bill Johnson

So, you ask yourself, what's so great about the presence of God? Why would I want to enter into His presence? Let me tell you (Notes courtesy of Pastor Rudy Topete) The presence of God gives us Blessing and Freedom. *In order to gain these understandings, we need to build a history with God.

1. There is Joy in His Presence: "You show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11  and "You have made known to me the path of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence." Acts 2:28

2. There is strength in His Presence: "...But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

3. There is wisdom in His Presence: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

4. There is peace and rest in His Presence: "And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14 and "And the priest said to them, "Go in peace. The presence of the LORD be with you on your way." Judges 18:6


What is the purpose of God's presence in our lives?
1. To set us apart from the rest of the world (See Exodus 33:15-16) *People should see our actions before we say anything. We are to be living testimonies of Christ Jesus.
2. To give us blessing and freedom (See scriptures above on peace and rest, wisdom, strength, and joy)
3. To give us power (See 1 Samuel 4:5-7) *Power is the primary ministry of the Holy Spirit and power comes with responsibility.

How do we stay aware of the presence of God?
1. Find joy in loving God and not loving the disciplines themselves (See Matthew 22:29, which speaks to the people who were studying the word of God but didn't make it align with their heart; See also Matthew 6:5 ; Deuteronomy 4:29 We are to seek Him, not His hand or what He's doing in our lives.
2. Live free of an offended heart (See Matthew 11:6) *Sometimes we get offended by God because He didn't do what we wanted Him to do
3. Don't focus on what He is not doing, focus on what He is doing. (See Matthew 11:2-3)

We lose an awareness of the presence of God when we focus on what God is not doing.

I conclude with a beautiful song by Kim Walker of Jesus Culture and Bethel Church. She has a phenomenal voice and she is led by the Holy Spirit during worship. Kim sings about loving the presence of God and I pray that you are able to listen to this song and enter into His presence today.