Resources/Articles
The Presence of God
“And they shall know that I, Jehovah,
their God am with them,
and that they, the house of Israel,
are my people,”
saith the Lord Jehovah.
Ezekiel 34:30
God promises His presence among His people. This passage is surrounded by evidence of that promise. God says, “I will...deliver them...feed them...set up one shepherd...make with them a covenant of peace...make them a blessing” (vv. 11-26). These words bring hope to a group of people delivered into captivity because of their sinful ways. It proves God is nearer to us than we believe, even though people suffer when they rebel against God.
The problem with God’s presence is not a matter of God moving away or showing interest in something else. The problem is the very children of God, who should resist worldly influence, live without a personal awareness of God’s presence. For some, God is alive, but He might as well be dead. The same people who say, “God is everywhere and escaping Him is impossible” are the people who at times feel life means nothing anymore. God is not really there for them.
Some churches will tlk about the programs they currently have in order to eliminate the boredom in membership. A church may have a “large membership” with various programs and “feel” the presence of God “everywhere” in what they do. Just because a church occupies itself with a world of activities for its members to fill their time and attention is no proof of spirituality or God’s presence. Johann Goethe, a German poet, said, “Nothing is so terrible as activity without insight.” Where are our spirits? What is the purpose of our active service in the kingdom? Is it God or selfish “feel good?”
Believers in God should see God (Matthew 5:8). Paul even said he had fought a good fight because he “loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). What Paul loved about God’s appearing is not what he will see about God in eternity. It is what he saw about God while living. We can believe in the Christ of the yesterday and tomorrow, and the “coming of Jesus,” but what about today? We know Jesus was, but who “is” Jesus today is of greatest importance.
To those in scripture who knew of God’s presence, He was very, very close to each one of them as He is today (Acts 17:28). He is “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The assurance of His presence is forever declared as “I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).
The presence of God needs to be manifest in: (1) The hearts of His people. The Christian’s body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19); (2) The daily lives of HIs people. Our efforts to please God should come in the form of good works which bring Him glory (Matthew 5:16). God’s presence is felt by His grace, love, and guidance He provides daily to those who want to serve Him. He gives His people time and energy to serve. This is His presence.
The Lord is here, however we think or feel about it. If we were more aware of God’s presence, our sorrow would turn to joy, our fear would turn to love, our weakness to strength, our worry to peace, and our boredom to action. The best way to find Him is to listen for His voice.
