Here’s a super simple observation that I’ve been quite slow to grasp.
So often, when we think about spending time in God’s presence, it’s with the thought or goal that we will hear from Him. Countless teachings (and lists upon lists of books) talk about the need to “get quiet before the Lord” so we can hear His voice.
We’re desperate to hear from God—which is a good thing—but what if this goal is obscuring a better aim: simply being in God’s presence?
You’ve probably heard the adage that if you want to hear from God, simply open the Bible, as that is His revealed Word to us. Don’t get me wrong. Certainly, God still speaks as His Spirit comforts and counsels us (John 14:26), leads us into all truth, and speaks what He hears from the Father (John 16:13).
But in our quest to hear from God, are we missing the joy of simply being in His presence?
I was reading Acts 2 the other day, and verse 28 jumped out at me. The Amplified translation reads: “You have made known to me the ways of life; You will enrapture me [diffusing my soul with joy] with and in Your presence.”
This echoes Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
Jesus promises that His sheep hear His voice (John 10:27-28), but could it be that even our frantic striving to hear His voice is distracting us from something more?
What if we instead purposed simply to be in His presence? Enjoying Him for Who He is? Resting in His love for us? Letting ourselves simply be enraptured in His presence?
As we read in Ps. 25:14: “The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning.”
In His presence is our peace, joy, protection, and real life.
As one of my favorite songs, based on multiple verses in Song of Solomon, expresses: “I love Your face. I love Your kisses. I love Your embrace. I love Your presence.” Click here to listen.
I read this a few times over a couple of weeks. I think I get it. Thanks.
In His presence is where all striving ceases and we can truly come into the rest He desires…it’s where true joy is found!
It’s not just a place but a state of being♡ Thank you for sharing this simple but deep truth!
A perfect example that, often, in our quest for the good, we ignore the great!
The true test of friendship is to be able to communicate heart to heart, without words. Thank you for reminding us of this, Gina.
Thanks for sharing Gina! Really needed this.
I love this. I have often thought that being able to sit with someone without conversation was the sign of a close relationship. Why would that be any less true with God?