There is nothing more powerful, comforting or life-changing than the presence of God. From the beginning of time, God's desire has been to dwell with His people. His presence is not just a spiritual concept but a real and tangible experience that brings peace, guidance, joy and strength. The Bible is filled with examples of people who were never the same after encountering God's presence — from Moses at the burning bush to Paul on the road to Damascus.

In Exodus 33:14, God speaks to Moses and says, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” This was more than just a promise of protection; it was a promise of companionship. God was assuring Moses that He would not send him forward alone. He would be with him every step of the journey. This same promise is extended to us today. No matter what season we are walking through — whether it be joy, sorrow, uncertainty, or transition — God's presence goes with us and gives us rest, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

King David also understood the value of God’s presence. In Psalm 16:11, he writes, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Notice that David doesn't say there is some joy — he says fullness of joy. When we are truly in God's presence, we don’t lack anything. We are filled with a deep and lasting joy that no circumstance can take away. His presence becomes our anchor, our source of strength, and the place where we find true identity and purpose.

The presence of God is a place of transformation. When we come into His presence with open hearts, we are changed. In 2 Corinthians 3:17–18, Paul writes, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom… and we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image.” His presence doesn’t leave us the same. It breaks chains, softens hard hearts, renews minds, and molds us to reflect Christ more clearly.

Jesus made this access to God’s presence possible for us through His death and resurrection. When He died, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that we now have direct access to the Father. We no longer have to go through rituals or priests. We can enter freely into His presence, wherever we are — in our rooms, in our cars, at work, or in church. God is near to all who seek Him.

Let us not take His presence for granted. Let us hunger for it and pursue it daily, not just in church, but in every part of our lives. As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” In His presence, we find everything we need — peace, strength, joy, direction, and love beyond measure.