God’s Presence is Anywhere We Are

“And He said, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14, ESV

On the days that are nice outside and the temperatures are not too hot or cold, you will find me out on my back porch. When I feel overwhelmed, when life doesn't make sense, when I am thirsty for the living waters to refresh my spirit, I go out on the porch and just get still before My Lord and Savior. That’s where I find peace and rest and solitude and, in the quietness, where I hear God speak to my heart. Everyone has that one place they love to go to just be still and feel peace and rest.

For some, like farmers, that place may be on a tractor harvesting crops and looking out on the fields; thanking God for how He has richly blessed the labor of their hands. For some, it could be traveling down a long stretch of highway where they listen to music that ushers them right into the presence of the King. It could be at a kitchen table with the Word of God open, getting lost in the reading of the Scriptures while God speaks to the depths of their heart. Then, for some, God’s presence surrounds them in a hospital room in the early morning hours as the sun rises on a world that is oblivious to what is happening in that room where a person is pouring out their heart to God for a loved one in urgent need of healing.

Or, God’s presence can be felt where a lost and broken prodigal soul is crying out to God to break the chains of addiction and to bring light into their darkness and to pour out His grace and mercy on them. Others seek the presence of God as night closes in and loneliness begins to surround them and they become keenly aware that He is right there with them. It could be when a grandmother sits on the side of the bed reading devotions and praying with a grandchild asking God to hear those innocent prayers for answers to questions that are breaking their little hearts. For some, it’s in fellowship with other believers worshipping or in a Bible Study where they gather together to draw closer to God as they dive deeper into His Word. Or it’s in going to the altar in God’s sanctuary in total surrender to the beckoning call of Jesus, meeting the Savior there, and in sweet release receive new life, letting go of the past and receiving the promise of eternal life.

In Psalms, we get a glimpse of the times David sat in the dark moments, the joyous moments, the unknown moments just “one on one” talking to the Savior, listening for the Master’s voice to be with him, to heal, to save, to forgive and cleanse, to defeat the enemies. And we read of the times when David just lifted up the Lord in exaltation, honor, and to speak of the magnificent character of God. Throughout Scripture, we can read of God’s amazing presence dwelling and abiding with His children.

 I find His presence is always with me. When I read His Word, bathe in His creation, drink from the Living Waters, and as I journal my thoughts and listen to His soft and tender voice, He gives me refreshment for my soul, hope for the future, and a promise to be with Him eternally.

How often do we sit in the presence of the King and listen to Him speaking back to us? How often do we allow Him access to the deepest hidden parts of our being? How often do we just steal away and pray and surrender our hearts to Him? When is the last time you found that place of solitude, no distractions, just you and God and bathed in His holy presence? You will find Him when you search for Him with all of your heart, mind and soul (Jeremiah 29:13).

My daughter used to sing a song that I love so much. It is entitled, In the Presence of Jehovah. It is a beautiful song speaking of being in the presence of our King.

 I wrote this poem that speaks of God’s presence:

In the early morning hours, there’s a hush that is so serene

No sounds to interrupt your thoughts, a sweet time when the Lord and you convene

A time to worship and to give God glory, for all the blessings He’s bestowed

A time to confess to him those hidden sins, that has led you down the crooked road

A time of bonds being forever broken that held your mind and heart in heavy chains

Sweet release comes through surrender, freedom & forgiveness you will surely gain

Always take the time God has given, be it morning, noon or night

To enter into the presence of our Savior, who has the power to set ALL things right

In Hebrews 13:5 we are promised that He will never leave us or forsake us.

James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Psalms 27:4 “One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple.”

Psalm 140:13 “Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name, the upright shall dwell in your presence.”