“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
The Call to Stillness
In our busy lives, we often overlook the importance of being still and present with God. The Bible invites us to take a moment to pause and reflect on His goodness. When we take the time to be quiet and still, we can truly experience God’s presence in our lives. This stillness is not just about silence; it is about being receptive to His voice and love. God calls us to slow down, to listen, and to acknowledge His sovereignty. Being present is about creating space in our hearts to hear what He has to say and to move closer to Him.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
Exodus 14:14
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” – Exodus 14:14
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” – Psalm 37:7
1 Kings 19:12
“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” – 1 Kings 19:12
Isaiah 30:15
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.’ But you would have none of it.” – Isaiah 30:15
Finding Comfort in His Presence
When we actively seek God’s presence, we often find comfort. In troubled times or moments of doubt, God’s presence can calm our fears. God’s word assures us that He is near, offering us love, peace, and encouragement. We need to recognize that God desires a relationship with us, where we can openly communicate and feel His warmth. Being aware of His constant presence helps us stay grounded during our day-to-day challenges. Together, we can lean into His love and allow His presence to guide us.
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
Hebrews 13:5
“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
The Power of Prayer
Prayer is an essential part of being present with God. It opens the lines of communication between us and our Creator. When we pray, we invite God into our lives and acknowledge His power. We express our thoughts, gratitude, and requests, fostering a relationship built on trust. In prayer, we are reminded of our dependence on Him, cultivating a deeper understanding of His will for our lives. This communion with God fills us with strength and assurance that He hears us, guiding our steps daily.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Jeremiah 29:12
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Worship and Praise
Worship is another beautiful way to be present with God. When we engage in worship, we lift our hearts and voices to Him, acknowledging His greatness. Worship allows us to express our love and devotion. In these moments, we often feel closer to God, as we surrender our worries and focus on His attributes. Whether through singing, praying, or simply reflecting on His goodness, worship invites us into communion with God. Together, we can create an atmosphere that promotes His presence among us.
Psalm 100:2
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:2
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly… singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Psalm 95:1-2
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” – Psalm 95:1-2
In His Word
Spending time in God’s Word is crucial for staying present with Him. The Bible is not just a book; it is alive and speaks to our hearts. When we read scripture, we discover God’s promises and wisdom that guide our lives. His Word reassures us and strengthens our faith. By dedicating time to read and meditate on the Bible, we form a deeper connection with God. Together, we can explore His Word and allow it to transform us, making His presence a daily experience.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Romans 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17
Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” – Joshua 1:8
Psalm 1:2-3
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” – Psalm 1:2-3
Community and Fellowship
Being present with God often extends to being present with others in our faith community. Together, we come together to encourage one another, share our testimonies, and support each other. In fellowship, we can grow both spiritually and relationally, reinforcing our connection to God. We can pray for one another and find strength in knowing we are not alone. It is in community that we often feel God’s presence more profoundly. Nurturing connections with fellow believers enhances our ability to experience God in our lives.
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Acts 2:44
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:44
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7
Final Thoughts
Being present with God is a beautiful experience that we can cultivate through stillness, prayer, worship, and community. As we take time in our busy lives to seek His presence, we can find peace, comfort, and strength. By opening our hearts to prayer and diving into His Word, we form a deeper connection with our Creator. Remember, we are not meant to journey alone; being together with fellow believers helps to magnify God’s voice in our lives. Let us continue to encourage one another to stay present with God, for He is always with us.
We can look beyond our individual lives as we gather together in community, sharing our burdens and joys. As we create space to listen to God, we allow His direction and love to guide us. We can also explore more topics to read about opening up our hearts to God and looking up to Him.
Let us strive continually to be in His presence and encourage others to do the same, knowing that His love and faithfulness surround us.