Dwelling in the Presence of God: 3 Practical Ways
The morning glories are climbing the neighbors’ porch beams when I stop along the road and come to a realization: I want to live a life spent dwelling in the presence of God, but hurrying is pulling my attention away from his presence.
God is always present with us, which means that we are always dwelling in his presence; yet it’s easy to become distracted by the demands of our days and fail to cultivate the awareness of his presence.
As counter-intuitive as standing along the road and watching the climbing vines feels, I could learn something from their slow climb heavenward.
Staring at the climbing vines, I’m amazed by the subtlety with which they stretch toward the rooftops. In just one month, they have grown at least three feet. Somehow, in all my hurrying down the road, I failed to notice.
This reminds me of a powerful truth about the presence of God: If we truly want to dwell in God’s presence, we must begin by slowing down.
Dwelling in the Presence of God
The sad truth is that from the moment my feet hit the floor, I am often rushed.
When I live this way, I fail to cultivate an awareness of God’s presence with me.
Perhaps you want to learn to dwell in the presence of God, too. If so, these insights will help you become more aware of his presence as you slow down and pay attention to what he might be doing surrounding you.
3 Insights for Dwelling in the Presence of God
Let’s look at three insights that can help you become more aware of God’s presence with you.
1. Put presence before production.
Order brings me peace.
Sadly, the pursuit of order often steals my peace and pulls my focus away from what God is doing around me.
Trying to accomplish as much as possible within my days generally steals my peace and leads me to stop looking to God. Productivity becomes an idol. I fail to notice God’s hand because I’m so busy thinking about the next task.
If you struggle with this as well, I encourage you to aim to be present in your moments instead of aiming for production. Slow down.
Enjoy the people God places in front of you.
Focus on being mindful in your moments instead of accomplishing more.
2. Become more aware of God’s presence by completing one task at a time.
Many of us are good at multitasking. We pride ourselves on being able to talk on the phone, pay our bills, prepare meals, and help with homework at the same time.
Sadly, multitasking is a peace-stealer. It also pulls us away from focusing on the Lord.
I’ve learned that when I try my best not to complete multiple tasks at one time, I’m more in tune with what God is doing. My mind is open to listening for his still small voice and experiencing his gentle guidance.
3. Aim to be present in your moments instead of thinking about the future.
We should make plans. However, when our plans lead us to focus only on the future, we fail to be fully engaged in the present.
If you’ve ever planned for a big event, you know about this struggle. As you plan for the event, it consumes your thoughts. You realize that you’re not paying attention to the people God is placing in front of you in the present because you’re so worried about the future.
The fruit of living present in our moments is a greater awareness of God’s presence, and when I’m more aware of God’s presence, there is room in my heart and mind to encounter the One who is Peace.
Slowing Down and Dwelling in the Presence of God
As I continue my evening walk, I force myself into a slower rhythm. I take time to notice the hemlock boughs bobbing in the wind. I stop by the creek and watch the gentle cascade of ripples over ancient stones. A barred owl calls from a lone pine, and I stoop to study the tangerine blossoms of the jewelweed.
In the slowing, it is as if the muddy water in the shaken jar of my life settles. With the silt settled to the bottom of the jar, I have clarity in what was otherwise murky.
What I see through the clearing water is not what I expected. I see that all my striving for God was keeping me from doing life with God. And here in this valley, I am finally awakened to the deepest longing of my hurried soul: an encounter with the One who made me.
If we aren't careful, our striving efforts for God will keep us from connecting with God. #peace #slowingdown #faith #joy Share on X7 Bible Verses About Dwelling in the Presence of God
Let’s conclude our time together by meditating on seven Bible verses about dwelling in the presence of God.
1. Psalm 84:10
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere (ESV).
These words remind us that being in God’s presence is better than being anywhere else.
Do you long for God’s presence?
If not, ask God to help stir your longing for him.
2. Deuteronomy 4:29
But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
When we seek God with our whole hearts, we find him. We can claim this powerful promise during life’s troubled times.
God is not far off.
He wants us to experience his presence and power.
Seek him and you will find him!
3. Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
We find the fullness of joy in God’s presence!
Is your joy lacking?
Turn to Jesus. Ask him to fill you with his joy. This is a prayer he will answer because he wants your joy to be full.
4. Psalm 139:7
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
This Psalm brings us comfort by reminding us that we cannot run or hide from God. His comforting presence is always with us.
The next time you feel alone or misunderstood, remind yourself that God is always with you. He understands you better than you understand yourself.
5. Matthew 28:20
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he reminded his followers that he was always present with them.
He is always with his followers today as well. He wants to strengthen and uphold us.
6. 1 Corinthians 3:16
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
This powerful verse teaches us that God dwells within us. The next time you doubt God’s nearness, speak this verse. The Living God has made his dwelling within you!
7. John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
We bear good fruit by staying close to Jesus.
Abide in Jesus by talking to him, reading your Bible, and returning your thoughts to him often. When you do so, your life will reflect his glory!
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