The Manifest Presence of God: Embracing His Presence

“The presence of God is the finest of rewards.”
Charles Spurgeon

“In the presence of God, His nearness is our greatest reward.”
Lailah Gifty Akita

“God is always present, always speaking to us, always guiding us. The challenge is simply to be still and listen.”
Charles Stanley

“The presence of God is not limited to specific times or places; it is with us always, waiting for us to acknowledge it.”
Max Lucado

In our previous blog, The Manifest Presence of God: Unveiled Glory & Majesty, we discussed the manifest presence of God, which refers to the tangible and awe-inspiring experience of God’s nearness, holiness, and glory. We explored the biblical accounts of God revealing His presence in powerful ways, such as the cloud and fire at Mount Sinai and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. We also distinguished between the manifest presence of God and the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of not conflating the two. Moreover, we highlighted the blessings of encountering God’s manifest presence, including intimacy, transformation, empowerment, joy, healing, and reverence.

Encountering the tangible presence of God is a deeply profound experience that believers throughout history have yearned for. While spiritual practices and the manifestation of spiritual gifts can provide glimpses of God and His Kingdom, there is something distinct about sensing and being confronted with the manifest presence of God and His overwhelming holiness, power, and intimate closeness. This experience can transform lives, ignite spiritual passion, bring comfort and healing, and instill a profound reverence for the Almighty. Yet, for many Christians today, truly experiencing God’s manifest presence can feel elusive amidst the distractions and compromises of modern life. Why is it so challenging at times to enter into that sacred space of God’s nearness? And how can we position ourselves to experience more of His life-changing presence?

Hindrances to Experiencing God’s Presence
God deeply desires intimate fellowship with His people, yet we often sense distance in our relationship with Him. What causes this gap, hindering us from experiencing the Almighty’s manifest presence? Sadly, the modern church itself frequently lacks a tangible sense of God’s nearness. Our attention scatters amidst countless distractions as technology overloads and fragments our focus. Failing to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, ESV) and neglecting time to quietly center ourselves before the Lord grieves His Spirit. Likewise, compromise with worldly values hampers closeness with God. 1 John 2:15-16 (ESV) warns, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
Pursuing worldly idols erects barriers, blocking awareness of God’s presence. Moreover, Isaiah explains how sin creates separation from the Lord’s presence, saying “the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2, ESV). Unconfessed sin and harbored guilt form walls between us and the Almighty as does praying with selfish motives and impure hearts. James 4:3 (ESV) explains, “You ask and you do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” Therefore, we must approach the Lord on His terms, not with our agendas.

In the same way, a prideful, haughty spirit prevents experiencing God’s close presence, for “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5, ESV). Like the ancient Israelites barred from entering the Promised Land due to unbelief (Hebrews 3:19), doubt and lack of faith hinder receiving the fullness of God’s manifest presence. Through John, Jesus sternly warned against lukewarm faith lacking spiritual zeal, describing the indifferent Laodicean church as distasteful to Him (Revelation 3:15-16). Apathy and lack of passion for Christ exclude us from the warmth of His nearness. In contrast, “Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:4-5, ESV). We must approach God on His terms, not our own. As we surrender areas of sin, kindle spiritual fervor, yield our agendas, and exercise childlike faith, we ready ourselves to receive the manifest presence of God. May we remove all barriers to freely experience His presence.

Inadvertently Hindering God’s Presence
It is a glorious thing when we tangibly feel the presence of God in our midst. His manifest power brings unspeakable joy and comfort, affirming that He is indeed with us, but it also brings reverent fear, which leads to repentance. Psalm 89:6-8 (ESV): “For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around Him. O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as You are, O Lord, with Your faithfulness all around You?” However, our human tendency is to try to control spiritual things, even subconsciously. When experiencing the beginnings of God moving in our church services, small groups, or personal quiet times, we may get excited and feel the urge to point it out. However, by calling attention to God’s presence instead of allowing His presence to continue unfolding naturally, we bring distraction by drawing attention to ourselves and unintentionally restricting what He desires to do. Rather than giving commentary when we become aware of the Lord drawing near, the best response is to get out of the way and let Him work. Be still and know that He is God! Resist the temptation to emotionally manipulate outcomes during His divine appointments. That pressure often originates from our flesh, not His Spirit. Remain sensitive to how God is directing each moment, surrendering our human agendas. Do not panic or cut Godly encounters short just because silence extends longer than our comfort level. God moves according to His timing, not ours. By taking a step back in humility instead of rushing in with pride, we leave space for God to move and bring glory on His terms.

Longing for More of God’s Presence
Followers of Christ should not be content with stale spirituality and routine religious practices devoid of God’s manifest presence. We must crave so much more! Like a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1), our souls should thirst and long for the living God to draw near. The Lord invites us to earnestly seek Him, promising that we will find Him when we search wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29:13). Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6). Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of longing for God’s presence, saying, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1, ESV). God Himself places the longing for more of His presence within us. He desires that we urgently pursue Him rather than settle for apathetic religion. Press into God’s presence through prayer, worship, and times of seeking Him. Draw near to the Lord, and seek His presence always. Aim for God’s highest; experiencing the depths of His manifest presence. Do not be content with anything less.

Cultivating a Lifestyle of God’s Presence
Experiencing God’s manifest presence should not be a rare occurrence, but rather a lifestyle we cultivate daily. Immersing ourselves in Scripture exposes our hearts to God’s presence, as Colossians 3:16 (ESV) says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Songs of praise and intimate worship position us to encounter God’s presence in unhurried and uninterrupted worship. Psalm 63:1-8 (ESV), “O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips, when I remember You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night; for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” Remind yourself of God’s presence throughout the day to develop continual awareness of Him (Psalm 16:8). Fasting is a powerful way to disconnect from earthly things and connect with God’s presence in deeper ways. It humbles our souls before Him (Matthew 6:17-18). God’s presence is readily available to those who wholeheartedly seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). Each day, make pursuing Him your primary aim. Yield to Him throughout your routine and He will manifest Himself to you. Developing an awareness of God’s abiding presence transforms mundane days into extraordinary communion.

Since we were created for fellowship with God, encountering His manifest presence should be the cry of every believer’s heart. David said, “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, ESV). As we refocus our gaze on Him through worship, prayer, and obedience, we position ourselves to encounter the manifest presence of God. Do not settle for a diluted religious routine devoid of God’s power. There is more available! Press into God’s presence through times of fasting, solitude, and sitting at His feet. God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Listen for that gentle whisper calling you to draw near. And when the invisible starts to become visible, surrender yourself fully. Be still and know the manifest presence of God. Let His glory transform you into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Yield to His refining fire and then rise from the ashes empowered to display the supernatural to a watching world. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the Kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11, ESV).