Dwelling in God’s Presence

Dwelling in God’s presence has many benefits. To abide in God’s presence, one must pray; when you pray, you must pray in faith. We will encounter adversity, sickness, heartbreak, and disappointment throughout our lifetime. However, we must choose where we will reside to overcome these obstacles. Either we will reside in the shadow of adversity or dwell in God’s presence.

We should not think about our misfortunes, sickness, and the things that disappoint us; we will indeed become depressed, and ultimately, we will be defeated. Constantly thinking about your shortcomings only makes them appear as giants. The more you look at the giant, the more you will appear as a grasshopper in your own eyes. Think about the Lord rather than your circumstances. His outstretched arm will bring you to safety.

The Benefit of Residing in God’s Presence

One primary benefit of dwelling in God’s presence is His blessings. He begins by blessing what you already have. Peace is another benefit of residing with God. Nothing can compare to having peace of mind in the middle of chaos. The book of Isaiah 26:3 says: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.” When your mind is on God, that is, when you think about God, you dwell in His presence. You are, in effect, in the secret place of the Most High.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:1-2

Look to God

Dwelling in God’s presence begins with what you say when you pray. Prayer is not only about getting our needs met. Prayer is an open line of communication with God. What are you saying when you pray? Do you tell God about your problems? Are you telling Him how bad you feel, how awful your co-workers treated you at work yesterday? Do you tell Him why you can’t get ahead in life? Instead of focusing on the size of your problem, consider the size of your God. Let Him cover you with His love so you might take refuge in His arms.

Psalm 1:2 goes on to say. “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress; My God, I will trust in Him.” When life becomes overwhelming, run to Him rather than run from God. The safety of abiding in God’s presence is that you can run to Him when there is nowhere to run. When you are having a bad day, don’t retaliate; allow God to be your fortress.

Dwelling in the presence of God begins with what you say. So, today, whatever comes your way, determine that you will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.”

Heavenly Father, I ask that You dwell with me throughout this day. I pray that You overshadow me with Your peace, for Your peace is unlike the temporary peace I have grown accustomed to. As I dwell in the secret place, I pray that You keep me in an attitude of peace throughout the day. Today, I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him, I will trust.”.