We don’t often think of this awesome fact. The presence of God is always there, to encourage, teach, and comfort us in our journey with Him. One of the Benefits of Faith is the Presence of God.
Below are some questions for discussion:
- What does the Bible say about God’s presence?
- What promise does God make regarding His presence?
- What is the presence of God within us?
- What does God’s presence bring?
- How do I rest in God’s presence?
- How to walk in God’s presence?
What does the Bible say about God’s presence?
James 4:7-8 NIV “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James tells us here the way to God’s presence.
- We submit ourselves to God.
- Resist the devil.
- Come near to God and He will come near to you.
- Walk according to His way and you will be cleansed and have a pure heart.
In submitting your way to God, the first step is accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Without this, you will not be able to be in His presence.
What promise does God make regarding His presence?
Psalm 145:18 NIV “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
This is a Psalm of David. Throughout the passage, he is praising God for all the wonderful things He has done. The Lord is near, but to those who call on Him according to His will and truth.
Calling out to God when you are in trouble without acknowledging your faith in Him, falls on deaf ears. Make sure you know God yourself. If not, submit to Him to help you.
What is the presence of God within us?
John 14:15-17 NIV “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
John 14;26 NIV “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
The presence of God is the Holy Spirit that lives inside of us. He came on the Day of Pentecost after Jesus went back into heaven. He is there to help teach, encourage and guide us.
What does God’s presence bring?
Our Refuge
Psalm 91:2 NIV “‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
The Psalmist knew who to go to. When our trust is in the Lord, we too, like the Psalmist, have Him as our refuge.
Our Strength
Philippians 4:10-14 NIV “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.”
I have included several verses that go with the 13th verse. I have done this to put this verse in context. Paul is thanking the Philippians for their help to him. He appreciates it but adds he can do all things through Christ and this is where he gets his strength. This strength is used for the work He is doing for Jesus Christ.
When we have God’s work ahead, sometimes we worry about the provisions for the job. Paul is saying that God will provide and give the strength and everything else to complete His work.
Our Confidence
Hebrews 4:16 NIV “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
When we approach God in prayer, we can do so because of our faith in Jesus Christ. We have confidence that He will help us.
Joy
Psalm 16:11 NIV “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.“
David is speaking here. One thing we can know is that David experienced many trials in his life. Another is he put his complete trust in God.
Just as He did, so can we. In God’s presence we can know our path, and have joy with pleasures at God’s hand. But we have to submit our life to Him.
How do I rest in God’s presence?
Matthew 11:28-29 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
The way to rest in God’s presence as well as in your walk with Him, is to take your burdens to Him. Talk to Him about what’s bothering you. Once you have given it to Him, don’t take it back. We as Christians suffer at times more than we have to because we stop trusting Him.
How to walk in God’s presence?
Walk According to the Light
Romans 13:13-14 NIV “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
“Even as darkness is symbolic of evil and sin, light fittingly depicts those who have passed through the experience of salvation. Paul pictures Christians as those who anticipate the day by rising early. The night clothes are the works of darkness, the deeds that belong to the old life.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament Copyright 2004.
Be Rooted in Christ
Colossians 2:6-7 NIV “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.“
To continue walking in God’s presence, you are not only saved but growing in Him. As you grow, your faith is strengthened and gratitude becomes your attitude. This blesses you as well as others around you.
Staying in communication with the Lord and meditating on His Word, are the keys to being rooted and built up in Him.
Allow God to Teach You
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
God shows us His way mainly through His Word. We need to read and meditate on it. But if you don’t let His truth guide you, it’s of no use. You need to apply it to your life.
Commit Your Way to the Lord
Psalm 37:5 NIV “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:”
“Do not be led by your own wisdom, but obey God and he will finish his work in you.” Geneva Study Bible
It is so easy to follow our own wisdom. So many times though, we don’t even think but act on it immediately. Even when you think you know God’s answer, talk to Him.
Conclusion
Searching God’s Word reveals so much about Him. Reading these scriptures shows us how great our God is.
He has blessed us in many ways that are so awe-inspiring. One of the benefits of our faith is the presence of God in our lives. This gives us comfort and reassurance of who He is.
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