In a sense, you could say that the entire Bible is about God’s desire to dwell with his people. Immanuel—God with us. Experiencing God’s presence is what we were created for. And we are promised in Scripture that if we seek God, we will find Him. But how do we experience the presence of God when we don’t see Him or feel like He’s with us? Well, in this series of conversations with Dr. David Mathewson, the Discover the Word group explores how experiencing God’s presence can be a regular practice and experience of God’s people. And time In His Presence can transform, heal, and empower us.

Receive 

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God dwelling with His people. We were created to commune with God, but it can be challenging since we can’t see or feel Him. 

How can you experience God’s presence on a regular basis? 

Is there something hindering you from spending time in God’s Word and in prayer and worship so you can experience His transforming, empowering, and healing presence and power in your life? 

God longs to make His presence known to you.  

What could your next step toward seeking God’s presence look like? 

Reflect  

• How does Genesis 1–2 reveal God’s desire from the very beginning to dwell among His people?  
• According to Hebrews 4:11, why is spending time with God so important? 
• How do you feel knowing that we have access to God the Father through His Son Jesus as it says in Hebrews10:19–22?  
• What did the Bible figures mentioned throughout Hebrews 11 get commended for and how can that encourage you on your journey? 
• What helped the psalmist in Psalm 73 go from despair to hope? 
• Even now, how can you gaze upon God’s beauty as it says in Psalm 27:4? 
• How does Revelation 4–5 fill you with hope for what awaits in heaven? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

“Dear God, thank You that You long to spend time with me. Thank You that I can feel Your presence even though I can’t see You. Help me as I seek to feel Your loving, healing, and empowering presence in my life. Thank You that in Your presence, there is fullness of joy!”      

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• 30 Days in God's Presence  by Dr. David Mathewson from Denver Seminary and Jennifer J Fitzgerald   

Listen: 

• What Is Faith?  
• Does Sabbath Still Matter? 

Read: 

• In His Presence  
• The Promise of Presence - John 14:15–17, 25–31  

Watch: 

• Hebrews 11:1 - Biblical Faith  
• Revelation 4:8 | Holy, Holy, Holy