Over the past few months, I’ve been fascinated by the life and writing of Julian of Norwich. As a fourteenth-century English woman, Julian knew a thing or two about living in a chaotic world. From political turmoil to watching her community’s decimation by the Black Death, she no doubt sensed the fear of her world and heard the pains of her neighbors. I imagine as an anchorite, as a woman living out her days secluded in a church yet still available to her community, her neighbors would have come to her. I picture her as a safe, motherly presence where they could confess their fears, vent their anger, and ask for prayer. Yet for all this heaviness, here is a woman who could write these words: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
Over 600 years later, it is clear that all is still not well. This story stretches even farther back than the Middle Ages—the story of a people searching for the presence of God.
Like Isaiah, we look upon God’s glory and despair at all we can never be (Isaiah 6:1–7). Like David, we ache to dwell with God and gaze on His beauty (Psalm 27:4). We talk about a Creator who is close to creation, maybe even catch a glimpse of Him in the laughter of loved ones or the roar of the ocean, yet we also read of the throne room in Revelation and wonder how we could survive such astonishing power (Revelation 4).
What is this presence we all seek? What does it mean to find God when the world is in disarray and He feels unreachable?
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul began by reminding these faithful Christ-followers who they once were: without Christ, excluded and without hope (Ephesians 2:12). They were Gentiles, outsiders to Israel’s promises and citizenship, yet even that division, as Paul points out, was “done in the flesh by human hands” (v.11). God’s greater plan is a radical, cosmic hospitality, beginning and ending with a very real, human yet divine presence.
“But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (v.13). In the mystery of grace, a rabbi who loved, healed, laughed, wept, listened, and suffered also died and returned to life. He broke down the divisions between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, God and humanity. And in an even greater mystery, we become the dwelling place of God, each of us as individual rooms in a living temple more glorious than the finest building in the world, a shelter from a world of plagues and turmoil and despair.
God’s presence, His dwelling, is no longer a place “out there” that we have to reach. It’s not an exclusive club or a far-off mountaintop. It is awe-inspiring, maybe even terrifying, and it is as close as skin and bone. It defies our human boundaries and looks like a parade of misfits who are grateful for a seat at the table. It is safety and warmth and family. All are welcome, and there is always room for more—always a space to come in from the chaos and rest in the hope that all just might be well.
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101 thoughts on "We Are Welcomed into God’s Presence"
Because of Christ we can RUN to the throne of grace with confidence that His scepter is meant to accept you, not defeat you. He raises His scepter when you walk in the room because you are always welcome.
The verse in Jude really stuck out to me! “…without blemish and with great joy!”
As close as skin and bone, I certainly know this to be true.
“A parade of misfits who are grateful for a seat at the table” I’m just so grateful that time and time again I’m welcomed at the table and God is not this far off unreachable overlord but someone who is so near and loves me so much
I think the thing that struck me the most is the confidence that we can have in God’s presence and his response to us. It is something we can count on – we aren’t left with questions about his intentions with us
Todays devotional is so special to me because I’m prone to think that I need to go close to God, I need to work on bringing His presence over to me… a lot of me, my effort, my work BUT Ephesians reminds me that is all Jesus ❤️. It is by His blood that we are brought near, not our efforts but His sacrifice I can respond by answering and engaging in His presence.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13 ESV
“Always a place to come in from the chaos and hope that all might be well.” I love the idea that God’s presence is always around and always available. When everything else feels like chaos or when I feel fearful or hurt, God’s presence gives me the chance to hope that all might be well (and that even if my circumstances do not turn out how I had hoped, God is forever steadfast and good, and my hope is safe in Him.)
I forget daily that God dwells not only with me, but within me too. What a beautiful blessing and reminder ❤️
AMEN!
Love this ❤️
Amen!
This was so good.
Amen!
❤️
God’s presence is peace In a sea of calamity. I’m reminded of the story in Matthew 8 when Jesus told the disciples, Let us go to the other side! The statement along already proved that they were going to make it. On the journey Jesus falls asleep, a storm tumultuous storms appears and the disciples loose sight of Who is aboard.
In carnality, it is easy to lose sight that your lifeline is just a step/call away, Jesus! It’s hard to see what hope looks like, when despair is all around!!
But Jesus is peace! He commands that even the winds and waves MUST obey, HIS will!!
Heavenly Father thanks for reminding me that in your presence, can find peace in the midst of calamity!!!
Amen
❤️
So thankful to be welcome and have a seat at the table! Thankful that there is always room for one more
I love the part that says we have been brought near by the blood of Christ. It wasn’t anything we did but that Christ did for us.
Thankful for the Lord’s good mercy and grace to bring us close when we’re far away and to have the same heart for the people around us. Thankful for his ability to humble me and remind me of his great power.
Grateful to have a seat at the table
I’m so glad that I’m welcomed.ti be a part of God’s family.
Love this
In a tumultuous world like ours, having faith is hard. But one of the things that keep my faith firm in Jesus is how He never wavers to always be there for me. During morning devotion or a split second before a meeting im worried about, His presence is envelopes me. He welcomes me. God is so good.
Perfectly imperfect but never a mistake…❤️
Divine hospitality. All are welcome
Hallelujah! What a great privilege we have to come into the presence of God because of Jesus and sacrifice and blood, we are brought near to Him, we can have a relationship with Him, we can come into His presence to even find grace and help in our time of need. It’s a blessing to be able to come into His presence!
Yes love this!!
❤️
I am so comforted by today’s devotional (thank you Jen Yokel) and how it is connected to the readings. That God’s presence is not an exclusive club. It is as close to us as skin and bone. And this, “It is safety and warmth and family. All are welcome, and there is always room for more—always a space to come in from the chaos and rest in the hope that all just might be well.” May we always remember it is well with our souls, because God is there. Always.
Thank you Jesus! Needed these reminders.
This really has me thinking, and surely others have thought this before. Since God is in us, we take him along with us, like a person literally joining us in our day. Someone being there observing how we treat our neighbors, friends, family, and our children. He is there alongside us in whatever choices we make. And that is both comforting and terrifying. Because often as I go throughout my day I forget that God is dwelling in me as I watch a show or see a fried or whatever. He is tight there. And it makes me want to be more aware, and not just move from task to task but intentionally invite God to be with me in it.
all of this ♥️
❤️
Amen
Amen
Amen. All is and will be well.
God is in and around u always ready to be accessed and willing to be known and experienced.
“A parade of misfits who are grateful for a seat at the table.”
Sometimes I feel unworthy, but I must remember that the Lord is always with me no matter my shortcomings. Thank you for the message!
So we are the presence of God? Because He is will us, because He is everything.
Thank you for the beautiful description of God’s radically welcoming presence.
Shes, I absolutely adore the reminder here: no matter where you are in your life, no matter what is happening in the world around you, God’s love and presence is there beside you. Where we see bad, God sees an opportunity for us to find stillness. Sending love and prayers your way.
Hebrews 4:16 stood out to me. Throne of Grace. ❤️
I agree. Such an encouraging verse
Beautifully said. ❤️
I always feel scared when reading Revelations …
SHES!! I’m reading through all the comments now and I’m just sobbing at all your sweet prayers and stories. They were so felt, and we heard our babies heartbeat for the first time! @taylor graves, I had the pleasure of walking through my season of waiting with a friend who had a similar story to yours. Both of us in our own ways got REAL with God. I told him I didn’t believe prayer worked and I needed him to prove me wrong. I didn’t even want to pray for myself so I just prayed for my friend. She told me she couldn’t go back to church after what happened and randomly one Sunday I called her and she did. She felt like she was finally able to turn back to God. She ended up pregnant the next month and gave birth to a healthy baby girl last month! God has lined our stories up so beautifully I know prayer works. I’m still very well aware that things can go wrong, but I know one thing. I won’t stop asking for prayers for anyone who will give them! And I pray for you that the Lord will put a friend in your life like mine to walk through this season with you!
@ Lanie I’m so happy to hear that you heard your baby’s heartbeat!!! I’ll continue to pray that you have a healthy pregnancy. Thank you for your prayers. I am starting to grow closer to God during this time and I know that He will put people in my life who will become great friends and will help me get through this season.
LANIE I’m so very happy that you got to hear your baby’s heartbeat. The miracle of life. I pray that every day will bring you the joy of dwelling with God and anticipating your little one. I’m glad you have such a great friend, and that you both came back to God after tragedy. God bless you.
I really liked this day 2 on us being welcomed into God’s presence. I think it’s easy to feel like you’re only being allowed into your faith because of others or because you’re being forced or because Jesus died so you got in, when in actuality, God yearns for a connection with us. He offers us a warm, loving, open invitation to be in communion with us. I think it’s beautiful to consider and makes the journey of growing in your faith more meaningful in that way. It isn’t like a master slave type relationship, but a fatherly, tender, nurturing style presence. It’s comforting and encouraging, and makes you want to truly ‘dwell’ with God and grow in your faith. I also really liked how being in God’s presence was described as this community of misfits happy and surprised to be included in the party but enjoying the idea they’re there and welcomed and loved and comforted in knowing all will be well. It’s a beautiful idea of what our faith means to all of us and how accessible, open, and comforting it is.
Hebrews 4:16 really resonated with me. Last November I gave birth to my daughter at 29 weeks and unfortunately she passed away 6 days later while in the NICU. I’ve been struggling with my faith since that loss and recently have decided that it is time to try and fix my relationship with God. I was scared at first because I felt unworthy of God’s love since I walked away from Him when I lost my daughter. I felt like maybe since I turned my back on Him, He would do the same. These readings have shown me that is not the case. Hebrews 4:16 specifically showed me that I need to not have fear but be strong and give God my sadness instead of carrying it all on my own. If I give Him my hardships, He will have mercy on me and provide me with everything I need during this hard time in my life. I love that I was able to read that because it is such a comfort during a time when I feel so alone. Sending all the love to you all and prayers to: Lanie for your ultrasound and a healthy pregnancy. I hope everything goes well! And to Traci, I pray that God uses you to help bring that mother out of her darkness and provides you with the right words for her daughter. ❤️
Praying for you. Bring those concerns and honest thoughts to God. He yearns for that connection. And in my experience in the hardest times is when you feel God’s presence the most.
I lost my daughter in August of last year at 22 weeks. So I feel your pain and I will be praying for you!!
Amen
Thanks be to God for His presence Ya’ll! Loving the reading for today. He is so faithful that I cannot even understand it in my humanity yet He is The Way The Truth and The Life.
Rest in that SHES!! Many Hugs and much Love to you all always ❣️❣️
Sisters, I just watched a video song, “Watch the Lamb” by Ray Boltz. Very powerful and emotional.
I’m finally catching up on comments. Welcome to all the new “sisters”! Mia my deepest condolences to you and your family, may the Lord shower you with His peace this week and the coming days. You are all in my prayers, spoken and on hearts. A late blessings for today. I’m working on being more present in my time with my Savior!
Praying for all the requests as I read. Lord, please be extra near to Mia and Lanie and their families. May your Spirit lead and guide them. ❤️ we know you hear our prayers. Amen
♥️
LANIE praying for you and that you would know the Lord’s presence while in that ultrasound room today.
Welcome to all of you joining us for the first time, or returning today. You will be blessed!
I’m so grateful to be able to sit in God’s presence and just enjoy Him and learning more about Him. I’m also grateful for this community and the reflections that so many share. Happy Tuesday dear Sisters!
I love that Isaiah was taken to the Heaven’s room where God’s might presence was. And the shaking of the doorways because of the thundering voices, and all was filled with smoke, and holy fear. It is scary. I wonder what I would do if I were Isaiah, probably fell on my face trembling at such a sight. I am always so fascinated about seraphims, ones with the huge 6 wings. If one approaches me with a glowing coal, I would be terrified. Praise God for such knowledge that is too high for me to even grasp, or the emotional capacity to process such mighty things about Him. I have this holy fear for God, but when I think of our humble Lord Jesus, it is a reconciliation of God’s many layers of character, both stern, scary and just, but yet humble, meek, rich in mercy and spares not himself.
@MIA FAITH: continual grace for you, children and the little grandchildren, may love and support be poured out on the days, months, years to come.
@LANIE H: for new strength and your pregnancy to be protected by God.
@TRACI G: for the mother’s heart to be brought back to light after such grief, and your conversation to go well.
@ALLISON BENTLEY: I love your prayers, Lord, keep refining me.
@SHARON JERSEY GIRL: congrats on your first sweetness grandbaby. Prayers for her to grow strong in the Lord’s grace and peace all the days of her life, in the knowledge of God’s immense love and wonderful plans for her.
Be blessed dear sisters.
@Michelle Patire – praying for you and your situation with you brother. Happy Tuesday ladies. Praying for you all
I love the title of today’s devotional; “We Are Welcomed into God’s Presence”. I’m sure we’ve all been somewhere where we were NOT welcomed. When I was a young kid, my sister didn’t welcome me into her room. When I was in school there were certain lunch tables I wasn’t welcome to sit at. When I got older, there were certain groups of people that didn’t welcome me into their group. We all have experienced being “unwelcomed”. BUT I’m SO THANKFUL that GOD ALWAYS welcomes me. He WANTS me to seek Him and find Him. He asks me to approach Him boldly to find mercy and grace in my times of need (Heb 4:16). Because of what Jesus did for me on the cross, I have access to the Father (Eph 2:18). As I grow older, I know there are places I don’t want to go anymore, people I don’t want to hang out with, but I know that Jesus is ALWAYS available, ALWAYS ready, ALWAYS waiting for me to show up. I’m always welcome. He has never turned His back on me.
So well said Kris!
❤️
A commentary note on Enduring Word struck me, in regards to the seraphim angels who praise God day and night in Isaiah 6. It reads: “Do those angels have more to thank and praise God for than we do?”
God is worthy of our praise. He is enthroned upon our praise (Psalm 22:6)- the praises of Israel, His bride. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Lord, thank you for Your mercy that endures forever. We are nothing without Your mercy!
Thank you for praying for me ladies : Searching, Mercy, Sharon JG, and anyone else.❤️ I definitely needed it. I had a heavy conversation via text with my brother whom I mentioned, yesterday. He has opened the door to the enemy and he was pretty harsh to me after trying to tell him how loved he was (mentioning Jesus and how I was praying for him). He told me not to mention my faith anymore and that there would always be a block in our relationship because of my faith. I have therapy in a few minutes so will be discussing it more with my counselor, a sister in the faith.
My heart is pretty bruised, but I know God is able to save my brother, even without my words. I will not stop praying. ❤️
@Teresa Donley – It is good to see you back. I hope this study and our community blesses you in this time. We missed you. ❤️
@Lanie H & Mia Faith – praying strength and peace to you in the name of Jesus. ❤️
God bless you ladies. ❤️
We can only work out our own salvation. But our hearts long for our loved ones to come to know HIM!
I have enjoyed reading and seeing the comments about the contrast between the chaos of this world and God’s peace. There is a palpable darkened that feels like it has settled in for the past several years. I was reminded yesterday that Gods love and holiness shines brightest in contrast to the dark. The Lord sought me out during this trying time and has pulled me close to Him. Though I would never have chosen this path, God has used it to allow me to see Him in a way that I may not have otherwise. He has stripped me of any ties to this world, which today, is most often in stark contrast to him. I am forever grateful.
Again today I am reminded of David’s boldness in Psalm 27:4. When I ask myself what do I seek? I immediately think of the peace only the Lord gives – that’s what I want and the only way to get it is to be in communion with the Lord 24/7!!!! God wants us to draw near with confidence in Him (Hebrews 4:16) thus Lord I approach you today with boldness asking that you keep making me new in You! Keep refining my temple(body) for You and most importantly keep me anchored to Your word!
@Lanie H I am praying for the presence of God to give you peace today and throughout your entire pregnancy!
@Sharon Jersey Girl- thank you for sharing this analogy. My nephew was born March 1 and the past two weekends I have been able to visit and I just stare in awe for hours holding him- so I know exactly what you’re talking about! God is so good and there is so much beauty and truth we can get from Him!!! Happy Tuesday She’s! ☮️❤️
We become the dwelling place of God, each of us as individual rooms in a living temple more glorious than the finest building in the world, a shelter from a world of plagues and turmoil and despair.
What a beautiful picture! The song “I Can Only Imagine” has been mentioned in the comments. It is a song that brings me to tears with so much emotion. The words say so much. We played it a Tanner’s service which also makes it even more emotional for me.
Can I ask for prayer. Not that long ago I mentioned a family that lost their son to a rare illness. The mother has gone dark and my friend asked if I would talk to their daughter. I need God to give me the right words for her. They are strong believers. The call is set for Wednesday night. Thank you
This is going to be my memory verse throughout this study!
Psalms 16:11
“You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Lord thank you for paving the way to be in your presence. Fill our cups with your grace and guide us closer to your presence in our everyday lives! Amen ❤️❤️❤️
Chaos is a perfect word to describe our World. What a beautiful contrast God’s peace is to this chaos.
The YouVersion Bible App has Ephesians 6:12 as its verse of the day: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The commentator on this app talked about how when we have conflict with people around us (family members, friends, spouses) we need to remember that Satan WANTS that. He is stirring up that conflict, that CHAOS. He hates us. And we need to turn our anger, our hatred toward the king of darkness, not the person and we need to love them in Jesus’ name. It made me think of this study. I have felt a lot of conflict lately and some hate in my heart for the humans around me who bring chaos and turmoil to my life. But if I am truly dwelling in God’s presence, if I truly am allowing God to be the King of my heart and my life and my world, then I need to turn that hatred toward the right thing – the chaos is Satan’s. Peace comes from God.
I saw multiple reminders in our readings today of how we are made whole in God’s presence. Jen’s reflection really brought it home to remind me that God is dwelling in me. We are always in his presence, always being made whole. Wow ❤️
I’ve been away a while, and this is the perfect study for me to return to. I long to live in the Presence of God, and to stop filling my life and my mind with other things. I pray He will speak to me and give me peace as I seek to dwell in Him.
This past week I have been blessed to spend time with my brand new (first) grand baby. It has been wonderful. Every time I’ve been with her, I just have not been able to stop looking at her! She is so beautiful and perfect and my heart is so full of love. I have actually been saying to friends – I can’t stop gazing at her! …then in today’s reading, Psalm 27:4, “…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord…” All of a sudden, I could truly picture what David was explaining. It was a glimpse of what it will be like to be in the presence of the Lord – His beauty so vast that I can’t stop gazing at Him, and my heart so full love for my God, my King, my Savior – that shed His blood for me. I can only imagine.
“I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine”
@Sabrina Edmonson, @Taylor Graves, @Legacy Gatling – and all other new comers, welcome to SRT! You are going to love learning & growing among all your SRT sisters!
@Lane H – Praying for you today, that God will remove all fear and that you can with joy experience this first ultrasound of your baby, and that they will be perfectly forming in your womb.
@Mia – continued prayers for you my dear sister.
May God shower each of you with blessings today as we walk in remembrance of God’s ever presence with us.
Praying for you Lanie <3 I woke up feeling a little anxious this morning. Today is my best friend's mom's birthday, the mom who is now in heaven after battling breast cancer. I will be spending the evening with my best friend to support her and celebrate her mom's life.
Praying everyone has a blessed Tuesday
It’s harder than it should be to just turn to Him but when one does it seems you are blessed more and more
Amen
Lanie H., I’m praying for you right now and believing that our wonder-working God will put His glory on display in your life.
He did so in mine through the conception, sustained pregnancy, and birth of my son in September of last year.
You see, I’ve always dreamed of getting married and having children, but it took a long time for that to happen. In fact, I was at the point of being at peace with that not happening. I was single and had a very busy life, serving and spending time with family and friends. I would’ve loved for it to happen, but if not, I’d be okay, a little sad and disappointed, but okay.
Anyway, it took me a long time to get married. It wasn’t until I was 37; and even at that point, I had and I still have lupus; and it’s a pretty serious case that required very heavy medications that I couldn’t be on while I’m pregnant or trying to conceive. And even in the midst of that, there were times when I wasn’t sure that my marriage would make it.
But God.
Oh, but God.
My husband and I worked on ourselves individually and together. There was lots of prayers in addition to counseling. Then, soon after I turned 39, I was healthy enough to stop taking 1 of my heavy-duty medications. And about 9 months after that, my husband and I started trying. That’s when, at about 3 months after my 40th birthday, I found out I was pregnant. And fast forward a year and a couple months later, my husband and I have a beautiful, 6-month-old baby boy; and I’m in awe and praise God nearly every time I see my son’s face.
God is faithful and He works in the waiting. May He do the same for you too, Lanie.
Praying for you Lanie!
Praying Lanie! I had 3 miscarriages before my 3 healthy deliveries… lifting you to Jesus! What a great day to be reminded of God’s Presence! Remember Romans 15:13… don’t have time to type it out… early dental appointment!! Praying! ♥️♥️
LANIE H – praying!
Hi she’s,
I am in the midst of a miracle and asking for prayers. Last year, I found out at my first ultrasound with my first pregnancy that I had a miscarriage. The presence of God was palpable in the following months when I felt very specifically that I would be in a waiting period. On March 8th (the exact day I found out I was pregnant last year) I found out I am pregnant again! Today is my first ultrasound, and I refuse to have a spirit of fear bc I know my God is with me no matter what. Please pray that all goes well!
LANIE, praying for continued peace and a healthy baby!
LANIE – praying for good news on today’s ultrasound and a healthy pregnancy carried to full term.
Praying for you.
Praying for you!
Thank you Lord for your open invitation to join you
I’m struggling to get my reflection into words. Coming into God’s presence is like coming home. There is a calm, a sense of rightness. My question for myself is why I stay away so long? God help me seek your presence today.
Father I want to sit at Your feet in rest regardless of the state of the world around me. I receive Your peace. In Jesus name, Amen
All are welcome. How many times have we seen these words adorn the signs outside our churches or walls. But is it true? Do I welcome everyone? Yes I believe those words can be for everyone, but I’m guilty of wanting everyone to look like and behave the way I do before being admitted to the club. Being fully in the presence of God means I might have to let go of some ideas I’ve had about what the other guests should be.
Love this
Hebrews 4:16 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
LORD, You know the needs of your daughters here, as we come daily, humbly and boldly to Your throne for mercy and grace, bringing our needs to You. Praise Your Holy Name!
Always a seat at the table … always welcome. This reminds me of a couple of lines from a song – eating from a table that ever stays full, drinking from a fountain that never runs dry.
Amen.
MIA FAITH – dear sister, our hearts are breaking for you. Sending much love and many hugs to you in these painful days. ❤️
MICHELLE PATIRE – continuing to pray for your family dynamics
DEB – praying for your family, relationships and dynamics
CAROLINE BRIDGES – thank you for the info
CEE GEE ❤️ praying
From HRT today, “The very God who is so holy and majestic as to strike Isaiah with fear, who is worthy of all praise and glory, who rescued His people from Egypt, is the God who now offers mercy and grace for those who come to Him through His Son. He welcomes us into His glorious presence, whole and purified in Jesus.”
As Jen says above, “All are welcome, and there is always room for more—always a space to come in from the chaos and rest in the hope that all just might be well.”
SABRINA EDMONDSON, ELAINE EAGLE, and all other first-time Shes – welcome
MIA FAITH – my heart breaks for you and your family. Praying God’s presence is tangible and comforting to you in the coming days.
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” This is my most favorite Bible verse because, aside from the beautiful words, it captures so much beauty and depth of feeling about our wish to be in God’s presence. Every time I read it, I stop and savor the words and what that would be like— to be in His presence and gaze upon Him. Reminds me of that song ‘I Can Only Imagine.’ That moment when we gaze upon Him will be beyond amazing.
Amen
Amen!
♥️