Pursue His Presence

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose sight of what truly matters. 

However, as believers, we are called to pursue something far greater than the transient, short-lived pleasures and distractions of this world. We are called to pursue the presence of God, for in His presence, we find freedom, joy, and an intimate relationship that transcends anything this world has to offer.

The Prayer of Repentance – Psalms 51:11-12

Let’s start by diving into the heart of our pursuit: the presence of God. In the prayer of repentance found in Psalms 51, David cries out to God, saying, 

“Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” – Psalms 51:11-12, NKJV

“Cast me away from Your presence” is a plea that reveals the deep desire of every believer’s heart. God’s presence, as symbolized by His countenance, is a place where He blesses, protects, and causes favour to follow us. This imagery paints a picture of a loving father smiling and taking pleasure in his child, representing the fellowship and relationship we have with our Heavenly Father.

Omnipresence vs. Manifest Presence

It’s crucial to understand the distinction between God’s omnipresence (His attribute of being everywhere at once) and His manifest presence. His manifest presence is when God’s presence is made clear and convincing in our lives. This presence starts and ends through our relationship with Him.

Genesis – The Beginning of God’s Presence with Man

The story of God’s presence with humanity begins in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis. 

“And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” – Genesis 3:8. 

In this idyllic garden, God’s presence was a regular occurrence, and it was a place of fellowship and relationship. However, the presence of God was marred by the introduction of sin, disobedience, guilt, and condemnation, which hindered humanity’s experience of God’s presence.

Revelation – The End and Eternity with God’s Presence

Fast forward to Revelation, where we glimpse the end of God’s redemptive plan. 

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” – Revelation 21:1-4,

This scripture paints a beautiful picture of God’s objective and design—to cohabit and have fellowship with humanity for all eternity.

The Center of the Story – Jesus

Jesus is at the story’s heart, for He is Immanuel, “God with us.” Through His sacrifice, He tore the veil that separated us from God, providing a way for us to have fellowship with the Father. The Holy Spirit, the Helper, and the Indwelling Spirit is God’s presence on Earth with believers.

In conclusion, let’s ponder this question: 

“Are you cultivating an awareness of God’s indwelling presence in your life as He desires fellowship with you, guiding you into a realm of profound intimacy, resulting in the manifestation of His glory through you?” – Shaun Smit

There is Liberty in His Presence

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 

In verse 17, “Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Liberty represents freedom from the yoke of the ceremonial law, the corruption of sinful nature, and direct access to God through prayer and fellowship. An unveiled face signifies the clarity with which Christians can see the glory of the Lord and be transformed into His image.

Practising the Presence of God

There is incredible power in practising the presence of God. As we grow and are drawn by God’s grace, we behold His glory, and the Spirit shapes us into the likeness of Christ. With unveiled hearts, we see the glory of God and reflect it, releasing His glory into the world around us.

To be a joyful Christian is to know God’s presence. Psalm 16:9-11 reminds us that in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, a result of God’s presence and the indwelling Spirit. But for these fruits to appear, they must remain attached to the root, which is Christ, His Word and His Spirit (Presence).

In conclusion, let us ask ourselves these questions:

#1 What happens to us when God’s presence rests upon us?

#2 What is our responsibility in protecting that presence?

#3 What is the impact on the world around us when we walk in the presence of God?

May we all be encouraged to pursue His presence with a renewed passion, for in it, we find the freedom and joy that someone can only find in an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.

This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 5th of November, 2023. You can view the message below.