Enkindle - Being in the Presence of God
To be in the presence of God is to become aware, to realise, to awaken to His presence. It is to realise that He is everywhere, always present, and that there is nothing hidden from His sight. This awareness can be both comforting and awe-inspiring, as it reminds us of God's majesty, power, and holiness. In the Bible, moments of being in God's presence often involve a sense of reverence, fear, and worship. For instance, Moses at the burning bush Exodus 3:5-6, or Isaiah’s vision in the temple, Isaiah 6:4-5, illustrate this overwhelming sense of God's presence.
When one speaks of being in the presence of God, often refer to experiences where God’s reality is profoundly sensed, whether in prayer, worship, or through the beauty of creation. These are moments when God’s grandeur or love becomes particularly manifest, evoking humility, reverence, or a deeper understanding of His will.
Being Present with God
To be present with God, however, emphasizes the human side of the relationship. It is not merely acknowledging that God is present, but to be actively engaged with Him. This is an invitation to communion, to dialogue, to attentiveness, and to openness. Being present with God means setting aside distractions, aligning one’s heart and mind with God, and intentionally entering a relationship with Him. This can occur through contemplative prayer, meditation, or simply a quiet awareness of God in the everyday moments of life.
Being present with God involves a deliberate act of focusing on God, listening for His voice, and responding to His presence. It is an intimate and personal posture, where one’s whole being is attuned to God, leading to transformation, guidance, and deeper love. It is less about an external experience and more about an internal orientation towards God, characterized by trust, surrender, and companionship.
Both aspects are vital to a rich spiritual life. Being in the presence of God nurtures a healthy respect and reverence for His greatness, while being present with God nurtures a personal, living relationship with Him. Balancing these two can lead to a profound experience of God’s love, wisdom, and guidance in one’s life.
Many of us long to experience the presence of God. Yet, I encourage you to let these encounters not only draw you nearer but also guide you into being truly present with Him. Both are central to our spiritual journey, neither is superior to the other. Like the gentle swing of a clock pendulum, we move between these spaces bring us into unified communion with God, and with one another.
Jim Varsos