7 Benefits of the Presence of God

As the deer longs for streams of water, so our souls should long to be in God’s presence (Psalm 42:1-2). God created us to dwell in His presence. We must not let any hurt we have suffered, trials we are facing, sins we have committed, blessings we have received, or achievements we have reached cause us to neglect, hide from, or become bored with God’s presence. Even when we sin, God is waiting with open arms to welcome us back (Luke 15:20-22). Just as a fish cannot survive outside of water, we cannot thrive in these challenging and uncertain times apart from God’s presence. The more time we spend with Him, the more we flourish and shine.

Here are seven reasons why we should spend time with God and abide in Him:

1. There is joy in God’s presence. “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
2. We receive protection when we dwell in God’s presence. Staying in His presence places us under His shadow of protection. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
3. We find peace in His presence. “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).
4. God leads, guides, and directs us as we spend time with Him. “Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:23-24).
5. The fire and power of His presence melt away every mountain, obstacle, and hindrance before us, as well as every evil plan for our lives. “The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord” (Psalm 97:5). “Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us” (Isaiah 8:10).
6. Our fears and insecurities, pains, and burdens are lifted and taken away when we come into God’s presence. “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
7. We are changed, refined, and transformed in His presence. His presence removes the impurities from our character, making us better people. “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 3:18).

PHOTO CREDIT: Taylor Grote on Unsplash