Seeking God's Presence

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”—Jesus

(Matthew 28:20) 

One of the most popular books on the Christian scene today has sold over 15 million copies. The author of the book claims she is trying to show you ways of "enjoying peace in God's presence."

One of the saddest statements I've ever read is where the author claims after sixteen years or having a loving husband and delightful children, as well as being a Christian counselor helping others, she never once vividly experienced the Presence of Jesus.

She made the tragic mistake so many people make where she ignored Jesus' promise in Matthew 28:20 to all of His disciples where He said:

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus promises to all of us who are His followers, that He is with us always—even to the end of the age. But the author of the book, was instead looking for a subjective emotional experience or feeling to gauge whether Jesus was really with her or not. 

When we were born again, Jesus came to live in us—to dwell in our hearts, always. He already is in us. We are constantly in His presence. 

“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23)

Being in God's presence is not some emotional experience we can conjure up or call down by certain religious behaviors, songs or liturgy.

Lord, help our unbelief.

And that's what it is. Unbelief. 

Like Adam and Eve did in the beginning, so often, we too, simply won't believe what God has said, and instead we look to someone or something else to minister to our feelings or emotions.

The other dangerous mistake the author makes is her claim, "I have written from the perspective of Jesus speaking."  

Anyone who claims to be writing "from the perspective of Jesus speaking" should only do so having first cautiously heeded this command from God:

"Although you claim, ‘This is a message from the Lord,’ this is what the Lord says: You used the words, ‘This is a message from the Lord,’ even though I told you that you must not claim, ‘This is a message from the Lord.’ (Jeremiah 23:38)

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to us as our Helper, to teach us and bring to our remembrance all things that He has said. 

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

There is no 'new' Scripture being spoken by God today. 

Most of us have used the expression, "God spoke to my heart." I certainly have. But it was an inner impression or an impartation of wisdom or conviction. God did not speak in an audible voice, and tell us to speak a new revelation to the world as a, "Thus says the Lord!"

There are no Prophets today (with a capital "P"), as there were in the times of the Old Testament or the days of Jesus. Today, people who have been called to be prophets (small "p") with the gift of prophesying are to be forth-telling the Word of God; expounding on what the Scriptures already say.

Others have been given the spiritual gifts of a word of wisdom, or a word of knowledge, for people in specific moments or situations. (See 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

But I would be very cautious and discerning any time someone states they, "have written from the perspective of Jesus speaking" to them.

It's much safer to claim, "I believe this is what God impressed upon my heart."  But that's a far cry from claiming, "Thus say's the Lord." Be careful.

Did you know that nowhere in the New Testament does it ever say, "Seek the vivid experience of the peace of God's presence."

This equally applies to the errors of so-called holy laughter, holy barking, slain in the spirit, gold dust falling from the ceiling, and writhing on the floor like snakes.

And yet many today are seeking mystical experiences, a spiritual buzz, or subjective feelings as some kind of proof or validation that God is indeed with them.

Remember, Scripture says, "Satan himself can transform himself into an angel of light."  (See 2 Corinthians 11:14)

Jesus warned that God's people need to guard themselves from being deceived. Especially in these last days. The anti-Christ, by the empowerment of Satan, will deceive people with signs, power, and lying wonders. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10) Don't be lured into error by the bait of mystical experiences, emotions, and feelings.

Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

We believe the Truth because Jesus has said it, and because it is written in God's Word. Not because of what we may feel or even see. Again, Satan, also called the "god of this world" is a great deceiver. He can spiritually 'photo-shop' whatever he wants. He is the 'Oz' behind the curtain. He is the master of manipulation, smoke and mirrors, and deception. He is the father of all lies.

Paul writes:

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)

The Word says we have peace with God.  Not we might have, or we someday will get it. But we already have it right now. And we are in God's presence already because Jesus promised it. It's not something we have to manufacture or call down from Heaven or attain through jumping through religious hoops. We need to remember who we are in Christ.

The modern world culture won't believe in anything unless they can experience it subjectively, or see it. But that requires no faith at all.

"We walk by faith, and not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”—Jesus

—God is Love and Love Never Fails