What Is God's

Presence?

According to Bakers Evangelical Dictionary God's presence carries a wide range of meanings.

It may be something people fear. Adam and Eve's sinfulness drove them to hide from the Lord in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). God's holiness cast light on Isaiah's sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5). Many people who encountered God or His angel feared for their lives (Judges 13:22; Luke 1:11-12;2:9). Others tried unsuccessfully to escape His presence (Jon 1:3). As God displays His presence through His great power, the whole earth trembles (Judges 5:5; Psalm 68:8). False gods also become powerless before Him (Isaiah 19:1). Fear and trembling are proper responses before the One who controls all creation (Jer 5:22).

 

But God's presence provides comfort in times of trouble and remains the unchanging God who delivers miracles, heals a broken heart, restores a life filled with disease, the downcast can find encouragement; the infirmed can find healing, we all find strength in praising Him (Psalm 42:5). Although our feelings tell us that at times, we shouldn't be driven by our emotions either when it comes to our trust in God. The Scripture says the "righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17)  and "without faith, it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6), we shouldn't have to feel God in order to know He's there.

   

In a troubled and troubling world today many find themselves discouraged, and for good reason. The devastating effects of the Covid-19; the loss of loved ones and families torn apart forever, and its economic difficulties. Never have seen such a divided nation as today. It seems like God just isn't around; people want answers to difficult times when it seems they are not to be found. Unanswered prayer can also be disappointing. Betrayal by someone close to you can cause you to think that God has checked out of your life. Other times we get so busy with our day-to-day lives that we feel guilty that we're not doing enough for Him to want to be around us.

 

But because God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5),  we can be assured of His constant presence whether we are struggling with a painful situation or just too busy to notice He is near.  When God feels far away, here are 7 ways you can experience and sense His presence.