Our Ever-Present God

Open Your Bible

Psalm 139:1-10, Exodus 33:16, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Isaiah 66:1-2, Matthew 1:20-23, John 1:29-34, Acts 17:22-29, Colossians 1:16-20

Sometimes, I’m afraid to acknowledge the nearness of God. I’m afraid of what I’ll hear, or what uncomfortable truths I’ll have to face about who I am, because to encounter God’s presence means to be made more and more like Him (2Corinthians 3:18). So I ignore the reality of His persistent, relational presence and instead turn to distraction: working more, endlessly scrolling through social media, blasting my favorite podcast, or binge-watching a television show—anything to numb my heart and mind. 

But to live this way is to miss out on really knowing Him, to miss the opportunity to join the psalmist in proclaiming the gift of God’s presence: “As for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so I can tell about all you do” (Psalm 73:28). 

Once I started looking for the theme of God’s presence in Scripture, I began to find it on every page. Sure, I’d thought about God’s presence before. I know He is enthroned on high (Psalm 113:4–6). I know He fills the heavens and the earth and that there is nowhere I can go where He doesn’t see me (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 23:24). 

But Scripture has so much more to say about God’s presence. In passage after passage, we’re told that God also desires to be relationally present with His people. Authors and biblical scholars J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays even suggest this is the central theme of the entire Bible. 

God heard every time the enslaved Israelites cried out against the injustice they suffered in Egypt (Exodus 3:9), and He showed up in a visible pillar of cloud and fire to lead them on their journey out of captivity (Exodus 13:20–22). 

God is before all things and holds all things together (Colossians 1:17), and He intercedes for me in wordless groans when I don’t know what or how to pray (Romans 8:26–27). 

God can’t be contained in any house built by human hands (1Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24), yet He walked off the dusty roads of Judea and into the homes of sinners, tax collectors, drunkards, and fisherman to eat and drink with them (Mark 2:15–17, Luke 10:38–42, 19:1–10). 

As you’ll discover in this reading plan, we were created for this kind of relationship with God—to live in His presence, experience His goodness, and enjoy Him all the days of our lives. God has always drawn near to His people, and even now, He invites us to draw near to Him.

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194 thoughts on "Our Ever-Present God"

  1. Kayla White-Misiewicz says:

    Oooof. It’s so easy to dead scroll but not open the Word. . . Easy to forget He is right here when I am distracted. Just waiting for me to say hi.

  2. Hannah Dougherty says:

    We live in his world

  3. Gabriella Garza says:

    I absolutely loved this plan!!

  4. Janie Sandel says:

    That’s funny—i never have been honest to admit to myself that i’m afraid to acknowledge the nearness of God b/c i’m afraid to face the uncomfortable truths about myself. i feel the Lord pull my heart in one way and i try to lean the opposite direction to please myself, but i don’t want to miss out on knowing him! the verse in psalms where it says “as for me, God’s presence is my good” hit me differently. we were created to live in his presence and lean into the ways he is pulling our heart, which is towards him and away from sin.

  5. Layla Mae Graves says:

    I recently had a discussion with a friend about interceding in prayer on behalf of others and it is so cool that God literally intercedes for us!!!! I have never thought of it that way but how cool!!!!

  6. Jamie Hannan says:

    This was so good! The verse that stuck out to me the most was Exodus 33:16. “Is it not your going with us, so that we are distinct…” what sets us apart but His nearness and presence!

  7. Caitlyn Evans says:

    The more time I give to sit quietly with Jesus, the more I notice his presence in the every day things. So cool! He’s in EVERYTHING! It’s also so encouraging to know that being on mission WITH Him takes the burden away from having to figure life out on my own. I’ve got my Shepherd guiding and that’s all I need!

  8. Jennifer Walker says:

    Relational God. That is who He has proven Himself to be through every season. So grateful for that truth.

  9. Jennifer Kenny says:

    The distractions of the day to day being easier than encountering God and being made holier is very relatable and something I strive to do less of through this plan

  10. Kimberly Humphrey says:

    Reflecting on God’s presence helps me to remember, I cannot do life on my own. I need his presence even when I am unaware of it. I am so thankful he is there with me- no matter where I am ❤️

  11. Sarah Cherochak says:

    We live in HIS presence, not the other way around

  12. Klara Sander says:

    I’m having trouble making myself make time for god, anyone have any ideas on some good motivation boosters to really get myself back into it?

  13. Dacia Munteanu says:

    I often busy myself with my school work and push God off to the side. Such an important reminder to bring God into every aspect of my life because He is the only one who knows us so intimately and wants to pour into us.

  14. Madison Abbott says:

    God’s word is living and breathing. Knowing God is always with me is the greatest comfort!

  15. Becky Kaskel says:

    This is so timely for me. I absolutely feel the draw to keeping my mind and ears busy with noise so I don’t have to slow down, but I know that in truth I do not need to fear moments with God because He is the only true peace and wisdom in my life.

  16. olivia mcdowell says:

    Such beautiful insight and wisdom. Having the scriptures highlighted to us where Gods presence is known, is starting to reframe how I encounter his presence. I’m going from waiting to feel him, to knowing he is already with me. I love how scripture deepens our understanding and focuses our vision of Him.

  17. Gabrielle Vanderwolf says:

    God is not a distant God, He’s our ever present God! He seeks to even draw near to us and as we draw near to Him, He’ll reveal Himself more to us and allow us to grow closer to His heart❤️

  18. Raquel Aristhene says:

    I am so grateful I found this platform. I been living a distant life from God, he always there not I haven’t quite been fully there. This devotional was perfectly alight to remind me how amazing God love and dedication to Us is. He always there even when we are not. Thank you

  19. Amaya . says:

    Needed this more than ever ❤️❤️

  20. Brittany Hancock says:

    So good. I have felt so absent from the Lord lately and jumped in with this devotional. Such a great reminder he was and is always near even when I felt so lost. ♥️

  21. Lierin Schmidt says:

    What a privilege it is to get to be in the presence of God!

  22. Robyn Holloway says:

    As sad and embarrassed as I am to say this, this id my first devotional that I’ve ever done. I’m excited to dig into it!

    1. Tiffany Farrar says:

      We all start somewhere! Don’t be embarrassed.

  23. Gracie Price says:

    Trying to get back into a daily intentional relationship with the Lord. It’s always a beautiful reminder that He wants to be with us and intercede for us, He wants to help us. Thank you, Jesus.

  24. Lindy Loftus says:

    ❤️

  25. Jada Clemons says:

    Beautiful

  26. Seana Isaac says:

    Amen!!!

  27. Kiara Hardimon says:

    Amen!

  28. Lynda Pontious says:

    God is ever thing to me, I need to acknowledge Him in ALL things

  29. Kathrine Stone says:

    Honestly I am struggling deeply in my relationship with God. I was raped a few years ago and since then the idea of any male having control over me, watching me, or protecting me causes great discomfort. I struggle with how to be close to God and read scripture – with all of the “he’s” in it. I grew up steep in church however my own father was angry, scary, and controlling … and there was more emphasis place on the ever watchful God watching us sin versus a God to move close to for love and protection. However I am praying and seeking and trying to have faith/trust.

    1. Nicki Staiano says:

      Hey Katherine, I’m so sorry for what you have been through. I too have endured sexual abuse at the hands of male family members and it is so hard to trust. Perhaps thinking about God as Spirit and not associating maleness as we think of it in this sinful world may help. I don’t know if that resonates with you. I just wanted to encourage you because I think you are brave for sharing and I’m so glad you haven’t given up on God because if your horrible earthly experiences. Sending you love and care.

  30. nkateko b says:

    Amen!!!!!

  31. Janet McCown says:

    ❤️

  32. Jacomi Grobbelaar says:

    Keep your eyes on the Lord! ♥️

  33. Hayley Sims says:

    ♥️

  34. Abbie Pilat says:

    ❤️

  35. Imogen Warner says:

    I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how much of a privilege it really is that God wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us. But for us to feel really close to God or feel His presence

    1. Imogen Warner says:

      We need to talk to him and involve ourselves in the relationship he wants with us and that we also desire with him . The question of how can we feel close to God if we don’t talk to him? Comes into my mind a lot lately and I now get super excited that I get to talk to my creator and I treasure the time I get to spend with him

  36. Cyd Holmes says:

    I to fear from hearing from him. So I find every way possible to avoid hearing from him! This is a reminder that it is important to be in his presence and no matter what he sends my way he know what I need when I need it. I shouldn’t be fearful, I should be rejoicing in his presence and be thankful he is speaking to me!

  37. Keinesha Craig says:

    Guilty! I’m guilty of expensing my time to other things and people needlessly. When I should the embracing the presence of God! In awe of his creation, admiring the fact that He chose me for this life. An omnipresent God, Ever-Present, even where I’m NOT at my best!!! -#selah

  38. Ashtyn Baker says:

    ❤️

  39. Lyndsay Novak says:

    Using today’s reading to remind myself to be in his presence. Instead of taking time on my phone, I’m going dive into his presence and listen to all he has to say!!

  40. Karen Wilson says:

    This speaks so much to me because I go through seasons drawing close to God and loving it and then I let life get in the way and fill my time with nothingness that is social media or tv or whatever. I long to be close to God again. To turn in to him. He is always there but it seems like I tend to keep him only in my peripheral vision. There when I need or want him. I need to realize how much I need him.

  41. Na’Tyja Beach says:

    Ever present God!!!

  42. chloe matthews says:

    ♥️

  43. Cami Smith says:

    I am guilty of filling all my empty time and space with something. Work, kids sports, scrolling socials, working out, everything. In addition to my daily time in the word, what would it look like for me to sit in his presence through out the day, to fill my in between moments with being with Him instead of distracting myself. I’ll take that as a challenge.

  44. Kathy says:

    Why did you change the format????? I liked that the daily verses could be accessed with a click. You have made this much more difficult and the new format is not attractive or reader friendly.

  45. katie cooper says:

    ❤️

  46. Olivia Roop says:

    Although just starting this reading. I am so excited to dive in, and experience God’s presence. I am a new mom and desperately missing my relationship with God. This is just the thing I was needing! ❤️

  47. Landry Koehn says:

    My pastor gave me perspective on a relationship with God & the pull of evil. He described it as an abusive relationship. The harder we fall into the Lord, the more evil pulls against us. For who does the Devil want more than those of righteousness?

  48. Leslee Cox says:

    I love being able to see the theme of His presence through this reading.

  49. Zoe Maroney says:

    ❤️

  50. Natosha Kennon says:

    I constantly feel and see the evil one trying to pull me away, but God has been so good to me, lately he has helped me accomplish some much needed growth in my life and I am so thankful for it, but I am looking forward to growing so much more in his midst and so thankful to have come across this reading plan with SRT! Thank you for sharing the love of Christ with each of us!

  51. Jessica Salvador says:

    It’s been a little over a year that I have wanted to be closer to God. Walk the right path with him, and know I can lean on him even through my setbacks and mistakes. Part of that is spending time reading the Bible. I have a hard time doing so and my hope is to complete this reading plan. Even though I am too busy I will make time for him and ultimately learn and do what I have learned.

  52. Stephanie Galbraith says:

    I only started my journey to God a year ago and have found it difficult to spend time with him and read the Bible. Praying this will help me

  53. Karen Darcy says:

    I’ve just signed up to SRT.. I too make myself way too busy to spend time with God.. that’s about to change. I want to be more Christlike in my everyday.

  54. tayler m says:

    i’m here so that i can grow closer and closer to god as i feel i’m slowly getting farther away. so i’m blessed that the word of god has such a big impact on people in so many way! amen

  55. Christine Davis says:

    ♥️

  56. Cassi Price says:

    Lord, please forgive me for my quick to anger and please help me feel your presence always to guide me to a calm, loving approach to all. Please change me with your presence.

  57. Salena Minkler says:

    I want His presence to influence me so that my actions contribute to more people knowing the real Jesus.

  58. Lily Rosales says:

    Amen

  59. Amy Weldon says:

    ❤️

  60. alayna manabat says:

    amen !

  61. Savannah Skaggs says:

    May is presence in life be identified by others and be encouraged to seek Him. I pray that I would seek him and be more aware of his presence in my life and the ones around me.

  62. Shyann Goodeaux says:

    ❤️

  63. Brianna Killian says:

    God show me your presence in your life and give me the emotions and life you desire me to have. In Jesus name, Amen.

  64. Kirsty Bennett says:

    May his presence be strong

  65. TaMorya Jones says:

    Amen!

  66. Rachael Truitt says:

    So good!

  67. Shernaja Russell says:

    Amen❤️

  68. Lisette Volpi says:

    God is relationally positioned toward us, present with us, in God time and bad times… wow

  69. Zujey Resendez says:

    Amen!

  70. Casey Brinkman says:

    I loved this reading!

  71. tatiana salomon says:

    Ready to discipline my mind & body to understanding who God calls his daughter to be

  72. peggy mckenzie says:

    Amen!

  73. Bethany Perkins says:

    ❤️

  74. Mariah Agnes Matakena says:

    Ive felt so detached from God and the holy spirit for s o long. but the spirit moved me to open this app today. And by God’s grace, the current reading is perfect, exactly what I needed. God is good. God bless you all

    1. Lynda Hommer says:

      I was also searching today. I wasn’t sure where to go but knew I needed a new focus. God led me to this study. May we be aware of the God who is with us always.

  75. Dieudonné Hoffmann says:

    Amen

  76. Precious Harris says:

    Beautiful and humbling scriptures, God is everywhere!

  77. Vanessa Agosto says:

    A real reminder, thank you, Lord.

  78. Aimee Piersma says:

    The first scripture answered a question I had less than an hour ago. Thank you, Lord

  79. macy elton says:

    Such a great reminder on ho we should live our lives. Not by filling our lives with meaningless tasks, but truly living out plan for us.

  80. Sherrie Ray says:

    So enjoyed to reading – this revealed so much of The Presence of God in ways I hadn’t seen beforehand.

  81. Patrice Autman says:

    I agree that realizing God’s closeness scares me. But what if fear no longer weighed me down. I could enjoy a true authentic relationship with God… whooo!!!!!

  82. Kaymi Carson says:

    ❤️

  83. Rachel Gammell says:

    I have been really struggling to get back into relationship with God. It has been so many days and months since I regularly communed with him. I am 8 months pregnant and going to have a baby in a little over a month and I am scared. Scared of not knowing Him. Needed this reading plan.

  84. Gabrielle Vanderwolf says:

    We serve an amazing personal God, He tells us in Psalms 27;8 to seek His face, He seeks and desires to have a relationship with us. He even made us to be able to have a relationship with Him! what a friend we have in Jesus

  85. Russette Estevez says:

    I’m so excited to be a part of this community reading!!

  86. Caity Cline says:

    ❤️❤️

  87. Carla Brooks says:

    Amen

  88. Karley Gosselin says:

    So good and so true. I often choose mind-numbing over experiencing the power and presence of Jesus. May I know that encountering God’s presence is so much greater than anything the world has to offer.

  89. Justina Robinson says:

    ❤️

  90. Maritza Robles says:

    ❤️

  91. Michelle Goldman says:

    ❤️

  92. Amanda Hinton says:

    I think this lesson really shows us to slow down overall. The distractions are often fast pace and keep us going. But God is patient and He allows us the time to get to slow down and that’s when we can be the best we can in serving him.

  93. Emme M says:

  94. Tess B says:

    Amen ❤️

  95. Lysette Green says:

    ♥️

  96. Chadé Younie says:

    Amen

  97. Junet Dennis says:

    ❤️

  98. Baylee hill says:

    ❤️

  99. Audrey Gray says:

    ❤️

  100. Shae Gater says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  101. Natalie Garrido says:

    I really needed this, I read it at a perfect time.

  102. Mehret Amha says:

    Amen!

  103. KaCey Johnson Johnson says:

    ❤️

  104. Erin VanderMeide says:

    This is me in a nut shell. “ I ignore the reality of his persistent, relational presence and instead turn to distraction.”

  105. Sophia Ayres says:

    If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
    I don’t want to run from the presence of God like Jonah, it is impossible to be lost. I want to be close to him like David. Help my focus to be on you God. Amen

    1. Deb Peterson says:

      ❤️❤️

  106. Jessica Klawitter says:

    ♥️

  107. Theresa Macias says:

    Yes. Encouraging to hear this.

  108. Madonna Martinez says:

    ❤️

  109. Nijah Lain says:

    Today was everything i needed to hear especially going through eberything that i am currently going through. Knowing that even now He is by my side given comfort

  110. Andrea P says:

    ❤️

  111. Nai Mcgee says:

    The Lord is always present & he knows me better than I know myself and the relationship I am working to form with him is a blessing within itself

  112. Sarah Holmes says:

    Wanting to be more present with HIM as He is present with us!

  113. Minnie Lee says:

    Living in the presence of God in every moment of our lives is truly the greatest inheritance of all. So grateful for this amazing miracle that God so freely gives us when we ask!

  114. Shelly Nunez says:

    Thank you, I really needed this. Thank you.

  115. Darlene Fimbres says:

    I am already loving this ❤️

  116. Stephanie McNutt says:

    ❤️

  117. Sedena Turney says:

    He is A Loving Father

  118. Katie Dillman says:

    So blessed that we have God to walk with us, no matter what circumstances may bring, whether is joy, sadness, or shame – He is always near and thankful that He is! He will never abandon us.

  119. Martha Ellen Thurman says:

    Psalm 139 has been a comfort to me for so many years. Knowing God is with me wherever I am and whatever I am going through has brought me peace.

  120. Anneliese Peterson says:

    Love this perspective shift. God is always present and ready to connect with us. We fill our minds and hearts with other things instead of connection. Maybe it is the Enemy’s plan to distract so we don’t connect. Connection with God is healing and life changing. Connection to other believers is the same.

  121. Susan Nelson says:

    ❤️✝️

  122. Jenna Akin says:

    Thank you jesus for always loving me

  123. Jaci Robinson says:

    The times we have felt alone and God was not there for us were the times we were not looking for God’s presence. He is the sustainers of our lives! Praise God!!

  124. Dawn Prenatt says:

    God is so so good.

  125. Emma Boksan says:

    i pray Lord that i can continue to be drawn to you and never lose my faith ❤️

  126. Deja Green says:

    “I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at my Word.”

    May we all strive to be this.

  127. Claire B says:

    ♥️

  128. Aaliyah Rardin says:

    Thank you Lord for your nearness to us!

  129. Tina says:

    Drawing nearer to Him as He is ALWAYS present with me.

    Amen.

  130. Susie Basham says:

    I am excited to be in his presence and to see the ways He is always with me.

  131. Kaci Moller says:

    I really needed this reminder that God is always with me, hears me, and helps me. I have a lot on my plate right now and have been feeling a distance from God and I’m so excited to get through it with this study! ❤️

  132. Karen Breaux says:

  133. Kimberly Z says:

    To know the Lord is to love him and all the things around you. What a great reminder. I feel as though when I turned my Focus on to how many good things God has done for me my life began to change. Praying for you all today!! @MIA FAITH – praying for you sweet girl.

  134. Elaine Eagle says:

    Wow it is beautiful to see all of these women here doing this study alongside me. I have done a few other SRT studies on my own, but never with a community! Excited to be in this along with all of you ❤️❤️❤️✝️

  135. Mari V says:

    @Mia Faith…. Oh sweet girl….praying for you and your family. I’m late in commenting. And once I started seeing comments with your name, I went to go look to see your update.
    Please know that your family here SRT, WE are praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry that this falls on the anniversary and your son. You are covered in prayer.

  136. Stephanie Davis says:

    Hello Ladies!

    Yes this was exactly what I needed for today. Being humble and saying Lord I need you every step of the way. And also saying Lord I trust that in your presence you will keep me in perfect peace, and that you will always have the best interest at heart always because you are my Heavenly Father

  137. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I am really loving the study so far! It’s such a great reminder that God is with us all the time. When we feel it and when we don’t.he has been with me at all times and will always be with me❤️

  138. Sabrina Edmondson says:

    This is my first ever Bible study with SRT and I’m so, so glad I found it! I am trying to grow closer to god as a young woman in her mid 20s and feel this is such a great first study to do on the presence of God. Already on day one I feel more spiritually alive and humbled, and am seeing God in new, amazing ways! Can’t wait for tomorrow!

    1. Taylor Graves says:

      This is also my first study with SRT! I am trying to rekindle my relationship with God after my faith took a hit after suffering a loss. I couldn’t agree more with you that this study is perfect for trying to grow closer to God. It just reaffirms the truth that He is always with us despite the trials and tribulations we may face in life. I’m excited for the rest of this study!

      1. Legacy Gatling says:

        This is my first study with SRT as well. I have been looking for an app like this. This week my Pastor challenged us to stay off of social media & connect more with God. I am hoping this will continue to help me

  139. Mercy says:

    “To the Unknown God”. The Greek was so advanced in their philosophies, the stoic school of thought that a friend of mine was still listening to and suggested me to listen. But in Paul’s days, amidst their wisdom, they put in the middle of Athens, an inscribed altar, to the unknown God. I was thinking about my early days walking with God, and my husband’s current days, God was really unknown to me then, and to him now. Men could not perceive God, UNLESS, they seek with ALL their heart, and all their mind, and all their strength. Not just 5-mins before bedtime, not just during 2 hours on Sunday at church, but ALL that we have, then, we will find him. What I used to know of God was second-hand, through the pastor’s descriptions, and then a led-astray season through legalism and many false doctrines in church, and things turned incredibly vague and confusing. If there’s an advice I could give, it is to find God first hand. Do bible studies. Lots of them. Be diligent, spend time to do studies after studies. It took a lot of seeking, digging, praying (prayers was the strangest thing to me at first, i couldn’t pray past 5 mins and surprised hearing people can pray for hours), but now I get it. It took some rock bottoms to make prayers and seeking truly necessary and meaningful for me. To the unknown God, for some of us, God is still unknown, on some levels. I pray for the spirit of grace and revelation to be poured out, that we may perceive His sweet presence that is comforting, and His supreme wisdom in directions and strategies of life, His sifting and pruning for the sake of our bearing fruits, and His power to rescue from the evil one. Perceiving His pruning vs. Satan’s attack is a big one, may the Lord show us the difference and remove confusion.

    @MIA FAITH: I am heartbroken with you. Covering you and your family in prayers.
    @LAURA DIANE, @DEB: grace to overcome challenges in family relationships and hardships that the holidays can magnify.
    @MICHELLE PATIRE: it is really difficult. I was in the same shoe when correcting my mom (with love), but she took it as hate. In most time, people NEVER want to be called out in their shortcomings. In blatant and mocking denial even (Proverbs 9:8). Prayers for grace.
    @NANCY LUDRICK: prayers for you to overcome struggles and be strengthened.

    Be blessed dear sisters.

  140. Nicole Esther says:

    Really enjoying the trajectory of this year’s studies, they feel so interconnected to me. From Everything New, we learn that God will not one day make everything new, no he is actively doing that now, after remembering God’s people and his sacrifice, we learn that God’s presence also isn’t far off or a “one day we’ll…” type of statement. We are invited to enter his presence NOW. I pray this journey we are all on this year continue to challenge us and shake our faith up a little bit in the best way possible!

    1. Darlene Fimbres says:

      Amen

  141. Tricia C says:

    I am agreeing with so many of you in prayer today. It is hard to fathom sometimes that God is always near and as Psalm 139 says, He knows everything about us, all our thoughts all our needs all our desires. How incredible is that. It can be daunting. But to know that before I even say it, He’s got it is just wonderful. Thank you Lord!
    Blessed Monday, Sisters.

  142. Cheryl Blow says:

    This song came to mind today! Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus.

    1. Tricia C says:

      CHERYL I love that song!

  143. Changed Life says:

    I look forward to this study with the Shes. ❤️

    @Mia Faith, praying for you and your family.

  144. Kris says:

    Just a quick note about family and holidays. I can’t remember now who said it, but I was watching some preacher/teacher on YouTube, and he/she gave us permission to NOT have a family gathering when things are so stressful. WE are NOT obligate to have every holiday with all the family. We can say, “this year we are doing something a little different”, and go ahead and plan your day of peace instead of turmoil. Sometimes we get caught up in thinking we have to do things the way we’ve always done them, but we actually can do things differently. I know this doesn’t help for yesterday, but with other holidays coming up, you can start now planning on having a peaceful holiday different from other years. I have a brother that I’m not comfortable being around, and when I finally put this into practice, it has made my holidays so much better. Instead of stressing all day, I have a day of peace. We aren’t obligated to be all for all. Not everything on earth is our responsibility

  145. Allison Bentley says:

    “We were created for this kind of relationship with God- to live in His presence, experience His goodness, and enjoy Him all the days of our lives” thank you Jessica Lamb for this reminder! I do plenty of things to “numb my heart and mind” because I am human and I really hope to remove some things so that I can be more “relationally present” with others as well as with God! The device I currently hold in my hand has robbed me of so many things and I declare today that I want to put it down so that I may be more present! I also love Psalm 149 and think “Man David (the human hero who had his flaws) not only knew God but had an amazing relationship with God – he held nothing back; that the is relationship I want!!!! Thank you Lord for Your presence, keep me near and my heart soft! ☮️❤️She’s! Happy Monday!

  146. Kris says:

    This really hit me this morning: The very God who created the entire world, the very God that lives within me, the very God that sees all and knows all IS NOTHING BUT LOVE, KINDNESS, GRACE, MERCY, COMPASSION, GOODNESS, GENTLENESS. ALL the things we would ever want HE IS. So when we feel afraid that He sees all (yes, all the dumb, evil, irrational, stupid, intentional, not-intentional things) we need not fear. HE IS LOVE, HE is kind, HE forgives, HE is understanding, HE is restorative, HE redeems, HE cares. Somehow this is just ministering to me in such a powerful way today. We are so often afraid of authority; if a police car comes up behind us, we suddenly start slowing down, looking to see what we’re doing, afraid he may find something wrong. BUT WHEN JESUS walks up to us, we can have peace and not fear, because no matter what we’re doing, no matter what we get caught doing (like our conversation last week), we need not fear because He will forgive, change us, redeem us, restore us, fix us, love on us. Oh What a Savior!!!

  147. MARTHA HIX says:

    ❤️

  148. Karen Elizabeth says:

    What a comfort to know God is with us. Every moment. Every situation. May I be more aware of His presence and drawer nearer to Him.

  149. Annie says:

    Lord, thank You for Your presence. Make me more aware of You and what You are doing all around me.

  150. Breanna Watson says:

    The presence of God is with us at all times, even if we don’t feel it. I pray that I wouldn’t feel the need to numb myself to God’s presence, but that He would make Himself known and that I would listen!

  151. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    “Show me Your glory.” That was Moses prayer, and God answered. It causes me to ask myself – how desperately do I desire to see God’s glory? I feel if it was truly important, I would be spending more time in the Word, more time in prayer, more time remembering His ever presence with me. So that is my prayer, that I will spend more time with God and in doing so, He will reveal more of Himself to me.

    @Sarah D – sorry you didn’t get to see your “friend” yesterday. Praying God will move his heart, be it His will.
    @Michelle Patire – I’m so sorry for the way things unfolded in your family yesterday. It’s hard to be around those who don’t share the same passion for Christ that you do. Prayers for your family.
    @Mia – I am so sorry for your losses. How hard it must be for you to have not only the loss of your husband, but also things falling the way they did at the same time as the anniversary of the loss of your son. Much prayers for you and your family.

    Sisters, have a blessed day – draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

  152. Mia Faith says:

    Off topic but an update. My husband’s body was recovered fifteen days after his death. We are brokenhearted. His services will be this week- the 4th and 5th (we will travel to our hometown in Alabama first the burial on the 5th). These are the exact dates of our son’s services ten years ago. Today is the tenth anniversary of our son’s death. I will post a pic of our family and hubby’s obit in the Facebook group. I appreciate all of your prayers this past month!

    1. Annelyn P says:

      Thank you for the update, MIA FAITH. Praying for you and your family during this time of great sadness.

    2. Martha Ellen Thurman says:

      Continuing to pray for you and your family.

  153. Rhonda J. says:

    Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

    Presence is the word I chose for this year to focus on! It always seemed to stump me when we were told we needed a relationship with Jesus, I couldn’t put it together in my mind of how to do that. But over the years since being in the word daily, thank you SRT, I know what it is to walk with the presence of God. It is knowing him, praying with him, meditating and serving, and more. It may seem heavy, as we think of it as “time we have to put in” as sometimes a burden, but it is truly a gift. We get to experience the God of the universe, Jesus broke the barrier giving us direct access, and gave us the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us! It is unfathomable, but true. but it’s up to us to choose to accept and live that way. It’s important to build up a foundation that way when the challenges come we rely on him, built on the rock. An additional way beyond praying and reading the word, is to put yourself in situations where you can SEE God being revealed. You can do this by volunteering and serving in different ways, or being more aware of when the Holy Spirit gives you encounters. When you see the awe of God working in other people it encourages and strengthens your own faith. Choosing each day to center your life on Jesus is your daily bread on counting on his presence! What an amazing joy and peace! Thank you Father God for always being with us, sending you son to pay the price for us, let us never take that for granted!

    Hello to all the new She’s in this study! May it be far reaching and continue to strengthen ladies across the world to walk Jesus Strong!

  154. Laura Dianne says:

    Ahhh…Psalm 139 and Colossians 1. These are two portions of scripture that really have comforted me in seasons of darkness. To know that God has it all held together. To understand that God knows everything about me, and still wants to be in relationship with me. That nothing is hidden from Him, and He still loves me! Yes, Lord, I want this closeness. I want to be broken and exposed. Fill me with Your presence.

    I felt a bit gloomy this Easter weekend. Not my best look. I just couldn’t shake it. Feels like a lot of broken pieces in my life right now (mostly involving my family) and I am embarrassed that I am not more trusting and hopeful of what God will do in my situation. I often feel like I can talk a good talk, but my reality can be quite different. Anyway, allowing myself a quiet day today to just be. Praying for an open and contrite heart.

  155. Michelle Patire says:

    Yesterday, the majority of my siblings were over the house. I got there late, since I was serving at church. My brother Justin (the one I used to disciple) was over and in a bad mood. He misunderstood something I said (I think because he was still partially stoned) and then said, “Jesus Christ” as a curse and I immediately said in a somewhat gentle but stern voice, “Don’t say that. He is watching you.” And in bitterness he replied, “Oh yeah, He is right behind me,” mocking my words. I started to leave the room because I could tell he was upset. I wondered if my words helped him or hurt him. I never intended to make God’s omnipresence a threat, but the reality of our lives. As I read these verses today, I feel seen by the Lord. They comfort me, in the midst of my brother’s defiance and mockery against the omnipresence of the Lord. I feel grieved for his unbelief.

    A few hours after that happened, I felt the Lord’s presence calling me to spend time with Him alone. It was a comfort. I just sat there and cried while I strummed my guitar and prayed. It is not easy to watch people you love intentionally mock the One you love. Jesus is so good. I pray that those we love turn to Him. That they see He is kind, generous, healing, merciful, so compassionate, and patient with them. God, You are the one who changes hearts and minds. The entrance of your words give light, they give understanding to the simple (Psalm 119:130 NKJV). I love you, Lord, and I know You are mighty to save our loved ones. You are able. You are strong. You are always able. Lord I pray we don’t lose heart, as we wait to see Your goodness manifest before us. May we have grateful hearts when our prayers are answered. Lord, we love you. We are thankful for Your presence. Amen. ❤️

    P.S. thank you for those who have prayed for the adjustment of my new job. It truly is a blessing and I see God at work there :) He hears!❤️ Love you ladies.

  156. Deb says:

    So grateful for this study! I’m struggling with family relationships and dynamics. Any holiday or celebration brings it more so to the surface and I am caught in the middle.
    Staying prayerful and trusting in our ever present God.
    Have a blessed day dear SHE’S.

  157. Taylor Hite says:

    it seems i’m not the only one who resonates with the first paragraph. praying we can step up boldly to our god, confident in what jesus has done for us

  158. Cat-tee says:

    Grateful for this new study – I feel I really need it right now!

  159. Joan Richards says:

    The first paragraph of the preceding essay by Jessica Lamb has slayed me completely. That is exactly where I’ve found myself this season of Lent. I began my Easter Sunday with a confession to my Risen Lord of who I’ve become in the last two months. I will continue to flesh that out before Him this week. However, to have returned to Him and found Him waiting for me is the best gift I could imagine this day.

  160. Tanya Evans says:

    Yesterday the theme of the Easter message was reconciliation. Jesus came so we could reconnect to God. God in the Hebrew scriptures was drawing near as it was possible but there were barriers and limitations because of His other holiness. However, Jesus put on flesh and laid down on the altar of the cross to tear down the barriers.So we could run to a God who has always been there.

  161. Sandy Gastineau says:

    I am really excited about this plan. I want to feel Gods presence more.

  162. Mari Gomez says:

    Lord, I pray that I slow down and sit with you.

  163. Taylor says:

    I definitely need this study in my season of singleness. I loved Psalm 73:28 “God’s presence is my good.” AMEN <3 Praying everyone has a blessed start to their week!

  164. Katie Megee says:

    His presence is one of the promises that I know is meant for me personally, and that I have experienced as a balm to my soul in some very dark circumstances. He delights in being with me, and invites me to delight in being with Him. Simply to delight in His presence, no matter the circumstances. What a wonderful gift this is when I am able to receive it!

  165. Caroline Bridges says:

    The Devo today is the editor’s letter in the book. You can still get digitally if you want the full experience and will be received immediately through email.

  166. Kristine Loughman says:

    As a child, it used to scare me, the idea that God was “always watching”. The feeling probably stemmed from shame or guilt. God saw me do that? The perfectionist part of me trembled at the thought. I already knew I couldn’t be perfect, but at least I could fake it to those around me. But if God sees and knows it all, I couldn’t fool Him. It has been such a comfort to me to find my life’s verse in Colossians, that “in Him all things hold together”. Now I don’t need to be perfect to keep the world spinning on its axis. God is holding it together for me. I can release it to Him.

  167. Erica Chiarelli says:

    When I read about God hearing every cry of the enslaved Israelite, I pictured Jesus’ death on the cross..His love couldn’t allow this and all of the injustice of.cpuntless centuries..He answered each with Jesus’ saving blood. He hurts when we hurt. He sometimes allows what we don’t understand but His Father’s heart still hurts. His ways are higher, and His understanding is beyond our own. But we can trust His heart. I’m so thankful He is always close!

  168. Nancy Ludrick says:

    The timing of this study is perfect for me. I’ve been struggling lately.

  169. Searching says:

    I was drawn to the same passage as KELLY (NEO) in today’s devo, and also this from HRT –
    Russ Ramsey: “God really is with us right now. It’s not that we’ll meet up with Him when we die. It’s not that He’ll show up now if we call out to Him. It’s that He is presently, actively holding all things together, including our lives. He is never not involved. Never not near. Never not working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).”

    Reminded of “God Really Loves Us” by Crowder with Dante Bowe & Maverick City Music – the rooftop video, filmed in Atlanta – it gets me every time.

    Sisters – every one of you whose name I could recall – were prayed for last night as I tried to get my mind settled.

    Update on my friend’s daughter who was blessed to receive an organ transplant a few months ago – still in rehab out of town but got approval to come home for the weekend. She was able to go to church yesterday (very isolated of course) – a miracle.

    KELLY (NEO) ❤️ no Polish roots that I know of, but I do love a good polka!

    MIA FAITH ❤️
    CEE GEE ❤️
    LYNNE FROM AL – so happy you were able to go to church yesterday
    GRAMSIESUE- good to hear of you and Steve attending Madi’s church, and the consideration shown. I have, and have had, family members needing accommodation and it is a such blessing when handled in a kind way.
    MERCY ❤️

  170. Karen Bruno says:

    It is amazing that Creator of the universe knows my name, my thoughts words and actions, and wants to have a relationship with ME.

  171. Stephanie Mibley says:

    I am so grateful for this study. As someone who fell away and find myself longing for his presence again, this found me at the time I needed it most! God is good!

  172. Char Hight says:

    “He is intimately acquainted with all my ways.”

  173. Ada McCloud says:

    I too feel like I avoid being in God’s presence because of the mistakes I’ve made. What a beautiful reminder that He knows and still desires me to come to Him.

  174. Taylor Smith says:

    What a great first reading for this study. Such and important reminder that God is fully present with us

  175. Sarah Nelson says:

    Really excited to be in this particular study. Even after the first reading, I feel like being in God’s presence is not so unrealistic. Where can we go, that He cannot? And not just go physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He is there!

  176. Kelly (NEO) says:

    We were created “to live in His presence, experience His goodness, and enjoy Him all the days of our lives. God has always drawn near to His people, and even now, He invites us to draw near to Him.”

    To all of Polish heritage-Happy Dyngus Day

  177. Jess Kamm says:

    I love that Jesus wasn’t afraid to go where there was need even if it was uncomfortable.

  178. Georgia says:

    So grateful for His presence ❤️

  179. Ateh N says:

    Amen

  180. Juliza Herrera says:

    Much needed ❤️