Someone once asked me to picture my ideal eternity. I thought of everyone I love being present and accounted for, healthy and satisfied and fulfilled, with all my favorite treats and fun ways to while away the hours (if such a time constraint exists in heaven). If I could have everything I’ve ever wanted or imagined wanting, but God was not there, would I still be happy? Was my idea of heaven still “heaven” if God was not there?
Huh.
Now, I knew what the “right” answer was—boy, did I—but if I’m really honest, the right answer brought me no comfort or peace and, while I’m ashamed to admit it, no honest-to-goodness joy. The truth is that, when I imagined actually being in the presence of God, in the same room with Him so to speak, I felt all good with one of us being on the other side of the door.
Needless to say, that one question took me on a journey of really beginning to look for God, to seek out His person, to really know Him. Because if He laid out His life for me, for the joy of having me with Him for eternity (Hebrews 12:2), and yet I somehow still felt the need for separation and physical distance from Him, then that was a problem. I had a sense that He went to the cross for more than just the effort of making us all good with one another. I recognized my need for Him, and He went to the cross for me so that we could actually be in the same room together.
I realized that to “seek His face,” I had to seek Him out intimately (1Chronicles 16:11). And when I searched for Him, when I sought Him out with all my heart and all my soul (Deuteronomy 4:29), He showed Himself to be anything but indifferent toward me. Through His Word, by His Spirit, and by the testimony of His Church (Colossians 3:14–16), He led me to really see the passion that led Him to the cross to die for me. All of this so we could be in the presence of one another unencumbered by my sin, because “the LORD [our] God is a compassionate God” (Deuteronomy 4:31). The reality is that He is always with me, and that’s where He wants to be. That truth leaves me utterly awestruck, yet somehow, I’m still prone to forget.
If you have been brought back into God’s presence through the blood of Jesus, then His presence and holiness aren’t meant to cause trembling from a place of fear, but of excitement and anticipation that one day, not so long from now, we won’t have to search for Him because we will get to see Him face to face (1Corinthians 13:12). Until that day, we don’t have to settle for just being “okay” with God—we get to have a relationship with Him.
Are you like me, closing your heart off from a true relationship with Him? Have you believed the lie that the one who died to save you is somehow indifferent toward you? Take Him at His Word: seek Him, and He’ll remind you of what is true.
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58 thoughts on "Remembering God’s Presence"
I read the word covenant and sing praises to the Lord – as if they they are connected in a way that one cannot be quiet. If they know the truth of what that covenant means then the only reasonable response is joy – true connectedness to the father. I want to sit in that today
He is ALWAYS with me and that’s where He wants to be. Thank you, Lord, for loving me anyways. Despite all my flaws and shortcomings, You meet me where I’m at and I’m so grateful for that.
Jesus went to the cross so that I could be in the same room as Him. Powerful.
Amen
This is so powerful. I needed this.
Amen ❤️
Wow this was incredibly powerful. So thankful for this new perspective.
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Beautiful to know God is not indifferent to us
Wow this was powerful! Thank you! This is something I need to work out with God.
I so much needed this bible study today!❤️
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Lord, help me to seek you with all my heart, mind and soul. Guide me to actively deny and remove distractions that take me away. Remind me that you pursue me, love me.
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Praying that I will seek Him with all my heart and soul. And praying the desire to do so daily. Amen!
“Seek Him, and He’ll remind you of what is true.” This just struck me as I am trying to fix my relationship with God. I turned my back on Him and when I recently began to want to seek Him out again, I was afraid that He would not want to have a relationship with me. I feared that I blew it and would never be able to regain what I had. But now that I am seeking Him out, I am reminded that even when I turned away from God, He never left my side. He didn’t give up on me. In fact, He was just waiting and wanting me to go back to Him to have a relationship with Him. How rewarding is that to think about? I still have a long way to go in fixing my relationship but I am so glad to be reminded from these readings that God wants me and He loves me regardless of what I have done. I am trying to take all the comfort in know that and working to do as Psalm 73:28 stated, making God my refuge. Madeleine, I am praying for your son to be well and have a speedy recovery. I hope all of you wonderful women have an amazing and blessed weekend. ❤️
CHRISTINE BALDOCK-
Yes, reading God’s Word is a fantastic start in getting to know who God is. Spending time in prayer, having fellowship with other Christians, going to church, memorising scripture, fasting, singing to him, silence and solitude are other ways we can know him more.
It is great the Holy Spirit has made you aware of how far you are from God. That is God himself working in your life! Showing you how much you need him. Most of us have all been there too. Jesus is ready to fill that space and bring you to himself. Glad you are here, reading these scriptures with us. Praying for you today.
Thpught i had posted this.. oops!
My earthly father was not perfect, by a long shot, but he was my loving, protective, forever gracious, provider, comforter, listener. He was always there for me.. I, in my heart could not fault him, but, he was only human..
BUT GOD..
In those younger days, when life seemed great, and I had my daddy, I could not see, although we attended church, and I went to a church school, the God I see now. For whatever reason, though I heard the Word, I could recite some Psalms and sing hymns, I was closed to the real deal of Our God.. to His presence..
If I had died in those days, I reckon I would have been one of those refered to as.. ” not all who say Lord Lord will enter the kingdom..”
My eyes were not open, but they are now.. I am soooo not perfect, but I am closer to God than I was yesteryear!
His presence, has been tangible, His Word my truth.. I may not always remember His presence, but His presence is always with me, in me and around me.
Thank you Lord God, Thank you.
AMEN.
Covering you all in hugs and prayers my dears..♥️
Yes, we learn more about Jesus and grow closer to Him through the Bible. Ps119:105
@Traci Gendron. Praying for you sweet girl!
@Madeleine, Praying right now for you sweet baby boy and for YOU as well.
This devotional has really made me aware of my seperation from God. Kara stares that she realised that she needed to seek him out intimately, to really know him, but how? Is it through reading the word??
Before this devotional I was just asking God why I don’t feel his peace all the time and his devotional answered my question. To walk in God’s presence, I need to seek him out. I need to ask him to bring me his peace. It seems like such a simple answer, but not always easy. I pray that I can walk in his presence today and everyday as I invite him into my day.
That is awesome!!❣️❣️
I recently did a bible study with a small group, and the study compared the return of our Lord like a husband (in the military- how it resonated with me), coming home after being away for a long time, and his wife, not knowing exactly what day, she constantly prepares and longs for the date, she makes sure she will not miss that date, she prepares the house clean, the bed made, a nice dress to welcome him, a photographer to take pictures of that moment. And that’s the longing of the bride toward the husband she loves. The study described such a constant longing of a husband and wife relationship, it truly touched my heart. In the book Song of Solomon, the relationship described in the theme for this whole book, is a love between a man and a pursued lover, to reflect the love of Christ toward us. It is not the love between a Commander towards the minions. It’s a man pursuing a woman. The Covenant of Love (Song of Solomon 4:10-16) reflects this closeness and gentleness of Christ coming to pursue, court, marry and redeem His Bride. I could not imagine me making it to Heaven and be in a different room with my bridegroom. I am lifting prayers to some of us that might feel this way and struggle to move past. By the Lord’s grace, it is possible. When I make it to the pearly gates, walking on the street of gold, I would ask the first person I see there where the Lord is, to find Him and run to Him, to give my Lord Jesus the biggest hug, by His grace… I can only imagine. It will be truly the most wonderful moment, this brings tears to my eyes each time I think of it. I hope you all have a lovely weekend filled with God’s peace and joy. Be blessed dear sisters.
@ Madeleine praying health over your son and peace as you wait❤️
Madeline , all is well and he is better soon.
@Madeline–PRAYING for your baby boy!
MADELEINE: praying now!
Asking for prayers for my 12 day old son who is in hospital with a bad cough and laboured breathing.
Beautiful and thought provoking devotion today!
@Chyerl Blow- we sang that song growing up and it was always a favorite of mine! It definitely is on my “hymns” playlist on youtube!
@Traci–Praying you feel comfort from our God who sees and knows your broken heart. I know, you know you’ll see Tanner in heaven but it is still hard to live in the now and future of this life without your son.
I listened to the podcast this morning. I thought it was very helpful in how we can try to grasp the presence of God..the almighty creator that is everywhere, all the time, past present and future, yet with us, in us, around us..every day, every hour. It’s still hard to grasp- they communicate it well, which will help me as I study each day’s scripture and devotional this week and the next 3 weeks! I yearn to make sure I am seeking and understanding our Lord and Savior and not what “everyone out there” is preaching. I don’t want a feeling or emotion, and get caught in the smoke screens and lights. I want HIS presence. Help me Lord to sort it out and know only You, the God of Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob.
In this life we can so easily take Him for granted. I have to spend time with Him every day or I forget Who, All He is!!
Such a good devotional today and wow I want to be close to God I can’t imagine life without him I know I would feel empty like I once was before knowing
This made me think of this song. What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
And I look upon his face
The one who saved me by his grace
When he takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land
What a day, glorious day that will be (in the second person)
There’ll be no sorrows there
No more burdens to bear
No more sickness and no more pain
No more parting over there
But forever I will be
With the one who died for me
What a day, glorious day that will be
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon his face
The one who saved me by his grace (but when he)
When he takes me by the hand (takes me by the hand)
And leads me through the Promised Land
What a day, glorious day that will be
Oh, what a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon his face
The one who saved me by his grace (but when
When he takes me by the hand (he takes me by the hand)
And leads me through the Promised Land
What a day, glorious day that will be
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jim Hill
What A Day That Will Be lyrics © Ben Speer Music
I had never thought of heaven from our readings perspective but it does make you think! I grew up listening to this song so maybe it’s easier for me to picture Heaven. He loves us so and is not waiting to play whack a mole every time we do something wrong. It took me awhile to realize this but His love for us is infinite. We can’t even imagine!
Praying for you all. Pray that I am careful with my shoulder and don’t over do. Thanks for all u you our prayers during my surgery. I felt them!
Cheryl I love this song!
“Relying on God has to start all over everyday, as if nothing has yet been done.” c s Lewis
Laura, beautifully said!
Traci, may you find ️ on this
day of Remembrance.
Libby, Amen!
Mia Faith, may the Lord shower
you and your family
with His peace ️
today.
Love and prayers, sisters!
Posted before finishing my thought and correcting my last sentence. There are times I feel like an imposter… unworthy to participate in the joy of his presence. But I still want to feel his embrace and hear him call me daughter. For me without God “Heaven “ would be just a nice place to visit…but I wouldn’t want to live there.
Wow! As multiple others said, that was my first reaction to this devotional. Challenged to do some heart searching today.
TRACI GENDRON Prayers for God’s peace to surround you today ❤️
@Traci Gendron – thinking of you and praying for you today. ❤️ …”The Lord is near to the brokenhearted…”
“Until that day, we don’t have to settle for just being “okay” with God—we get to have a relationship with Him.” “We get to have a relationship with Him” – this is the part that really blows my mind. I can understand me wanting a relationship with God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and everything in it, But God – wanting a relationship with me, wanting me to walk with Him and fellowship with Him – why? Who am I that God would even give me a second thought? But He does. Praise God, He does! He is the LORD our God – my God, your God. He rejoices over us with gladness, He quiets us by His love, He sings over us! (Zephaniah 3:17) He has redeemed us and called us by name. (Isaiah 43:1) We are His beloved! (Song of Solomon 6:3) Praise be to the LORD!
Continuing to pray for your requests from the week. Have a wonderful Friday, I’m off to see my new grandbaby today (and of course my daughter and SIL ) – remember His presence!
Tanner would have been 36 today…
WOW! such powerful words today. I try to imagine God/Jesus sitting with me in my living room when I’m having devotions, and it seems just a little creepy, which I know it shouldn’t. Sometimes I wonder what I’d do if I actually saw a figure sitting there. Would I fall into worship?, or would I freak out? Sometimes when I’m walking my dog in the dark, I try to imagine God in actual form walking with me to keep me safe. But what would I actually do if I suddenly saw some sort of figure walking next to me? I truly want to “see” God, but do I? I think of the disciples when they saw Jesus after he was raised from the dead. They panicked and they were afraid and didn’t believe it was really Him. The question I ask myself is this: Do I know Him well enough that if He were to literally appear before me, would I fall down in worship or would I scream in terror? How well do I know God? Do I still think I can hide some of my faults from Him? How comfortable am I in His presence? Do I forget about my flaws and focus on His righteousness? My prayer is that I am more and more intimate with God every day, that I continue to grow towards Him, that I literally feel His presence and know Him.
I can relate to what the author said about her feelings toward God and the closeness she had with Him. I would say until 8 years ago, I saw God as far-off, there, but not right beside me. He was like a friend that I really liked and talked to once in awhile, but He wasn’t my bestie, someone I desired to be with at all times.
Then I went through the deepest, darkest valley of my life. And God was there with me, so close that I literally felt as though I couldn’t live without Him. It was the worst of times, and the best of times. Because since that time, my relationship with God has changed. I want to know Him and feel Him. I want to be obedient to Him. I want my life to reflect Him. Because of pain. Because of sorrow. Because of hurt. God did that. It makes me not fear valleys as much, and it makes me long for the day when I am with Him in eternity so much more. I truly did witness the beauty that came from my ashes.
“You will seek the Lord your God and you will find him…” Claiming this promise today! I was talking to a neighbor yesterday about what we fear, and hers was failure. I told her I don’t fear failure, because if I think I might fail at something I just don’t even start it. Why try something that I might be bad at? That doesn’t sound fun! Problem solved! (This is a terrible way to live, I know. ) But the first verse of today’s reading hit me over the head – seek and you WILL find. I’m assured of success! I don’t have to be afraid of giving it a shot because God has promised I’ll find him there.
Wow. Just wow. Sometimes I picture what it will be like someday, to meet Jesus…and there are no words. To meet the One Who made EVERYTHING possible…Who loved me when no one else did. Who constantly took care of me when things seemed impossible and provided and the list goes on and on. I’m not sure I can fathom it. And then to see GOD face to face…again, beyond words. I can’t wait!!! We say Jesus is coming soon, but to really think on it is overwhelming to say the least! ❤️❤️
I love how this devotional really made me pull back and study my own heart and motives. Lord, keep me in your presence.
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(The devotional was posted late yesterday, many comments are on HRT and the day previous for those who missed comments yesterday afternoon…) ❤️
God help us remember Your unfailing love. ❤️
Father I want to be close to You. Holy Spirit help me to seek God first. Amen
In the same room with God, and with Christ my Savior … wow. I’m reminded of an old song, Look For Me At Jesus’ Feet. I think I’ve mentioned it before, my favorite version is by the Booth Brothers.
From HRT: When God urges us to draw near to Him, He is inviting us into His comfort, and comfort has the power to heal more than just what hurt me; it can also rewrite the broken narrative pain often invites me to believe. Comfort leads me to thankfulness that I’m not alone and that the God who is with me is kind and merciful. The comfort of His presence also leads me to remember what’s true, which might be the greatest of all gifts.
And from HRT yesterday, in the context of Moses wanting God with him every step of the way:
“We’ve all been on the precipice of the unknown.”
As I thought about those words, it dawned on me how true that is – and not just in the context of a major life event or decision, but every second of every day.
MIA FAITH ❤️ Praying for the Lord’s comfort on this day
TINA, RHONDA J, MERCY, KRIS ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
SARAH D – praying for guidance and wisdom
MICHELLE PATIRE ❤️
GRAMSIESUE ❤️ thank you for that testimony and encouragement to pray
❤️
This hit me hard this morning. I think I have some work to do in my relationship with God. What does it mean to be in his presence? Great question – picture of ideal eternity?
This hit me hard as well.❤️
This hit home; I am convicted. Help me Lord to always intentionally seek You. Forgive me when I don’t. I need you, Lord I need you! Amen.
❤️ Kara. All so true.
“He will not leave you, destroy you, or forget the covenant with your ancestors that he swore to them by oath, because the Lord your God is a compassionate God.”
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his faithful love endures forever.”
MIA FAITH – prayers for you and your family. May God use the memorial service to bring healing to your hearts.
TRACI GENDRON – praying your words to your friend’s daughter brought her insite and comfort
BECKIE DOTSON – praying that as you lean into God’s presence, He shows you someone you can talks to.
MEME FAYE – prayers for the family and community as you all work through the tragedy
KRISTINA – so sorry for all the trama you and your people are going through. Praying God gives you and all His followers courage to be light in the dark places.
My instant reaction was, we’re not all well and accounted for unless we’re in His presence. I wouldn’t feel secure and “held” unless He is there in the picture, sitting at the table with all my loved ones. But the idea of Him being slightly distant or indifferent did cross my mind, and I realised part of it is my own projection from how I experienced fatherhood here on earth.. He’s closer to us that we can imagine ❤️❤️