What does it mean to be in the presence of God?

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. As Christians, we’re very needy people! As Christians, our greatest need is God’s presence! Before falling into sin (Genesis 3:8), the first man and woman had intimate fellowship in the presence of God! That was their greatest need! Since that time, sin has prevented our ability to be in the physical presence of God (Exodus 33:20). Now only the holy, sinless angels are in the physical presence of God (Luke 1:19). However, as Christians, we have the presence of God within us by virtue of His indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:23; 15:4), and that indwelling presence comes only through faith in Jesus. We are aware of the reality of this presence from our obedience to His Word. The Bible says, “We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praise of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Apostle Peter says that “we are chosen people . . . belonging to God.” If we belong to Him, will He not be present among us? Understand and embrace that we never lose the reality of God’s presence, no matter how badly we fail; we never sin so much as to lose being saved; we never sink so far as to drive away the Holy Spirit. As believers we can anger God because of our sin, but never lose the presence of the Holy Spirit. Though we will never lose the reality of God’s presence, we might lose the awareness of His presence. But the sweet, pleasing, agreeable, delightful, and satisfying fellowship that comes from obedience and faithful trust in God is what increases the awareness of His presence! It sustains us! Be encouraged!