God's Presence

I was driving home from work one day and I heard the Holy Spirit tell me not to turn my music on and to go the long way home (scenic route). I didn’t question it, I just did it. I already knew He was going to reveal things to me. As I drove in silence, I heard God start to explain to me what it meant to be in His presence at that moment.

First I heard His presence means to do His will. Equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever (Hebrews 13:21). We have to make sure that we accomplish the things that He has called us to do. To live a life that represents Him, in all we say and do. I remind myself that although I am not perfect, and shouldn’t strive to be, I need to try to live to my best ability a life that would please God.

Second, I noticed the silence. To be able to be still enough to hear Him speak. Sometimes shutting out all the noise and distractions around us can make His voice louder and clearer. Not speaking or thinking but to listen and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts (Hebrews 4:7). To be in His presence is to listen to His voice and to let him lead, guide and direct you in that space.

Third was the feeling of peace. It's almost as if you want to cry because the feeling is so pure, but it's a stillness that even the tears won’t flow sometimes-that is rest. So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has once entered His rest has also rested from his labors, just as God rested from His own (Hebrews 4:9-10). When you rest in Jesus, you find peace. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, stands guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). It's peace that allows you to take in every word, emotion and feeling that only God can provide. It's knowing that you're in good hands and God is in control of every problem.

Last but not least, God opened my eyes to the beauty of my surroundings. As I was driving I couldn’t help but notice how much brighter and clearer everything was around me. The sun was shining brighter, the sky was a crystal blue, the clouds were bigger and fluffier. The trees were fuller and more green. The flowers were blooming in full color-it was beautiful. Even the people walking on the street almost seemed as if they were glowing! I heard God say, “This is how I view, that even on a dark gloomy day, I exude brightness- I am the light.” The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it (John 1 :5). This very light shines on the

inside of us, which is capable of allowing us to walk in His purpose.

There are so many other ways to experience God’s presence, it may be different for all of us. God is literally ALL around us- He made heaven and earth. Yes, some people may be walking in destruction/darkness but we are children of Light (Ephesians 5:8). We get to experience God’s presence forever. We have to tap into what He is trying to show us. If we’re not focused we can miss it. His presence also gives you insight and a new understanding of who He is. Praise and worship, talking to Him, serving/loving others, reading the word are all some ways to get into His presence. God is in the big things, as well as the small.

I encourage looking for Him in all areas- home, school, work, hobbies, activities- in anything and anywhere! God is ALWAYS there, always showing up, just waiting for you to find Him. When you find Him, cherish Him and carry Him in your heart. Let His presence overflow, fulfill you and make you brand new.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daWu1MBbx5M