Weekly Devotional: Living in God’s Presence

Woman outdoors with arms stretched wide smiling

It can be challenging to consistently live in God’s presence when our minds and hearts are crowded with other things. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to become distracted or overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities we have to take on. 

There will be trials and waves throughout our lives, but God should always be our priority. Despite how busy we may be, God is with us through it all. Great joy and fulfillment can be found within God’s presence. The true path of life is not found in worldly pursuits but in our relationship with God. 

In This Article: 

The Joy Within God’s Presence

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. — Psalm 16:11, NIV

The joy that God brings us is different. It does not come from whatever circumstances we may be in but through our faith and hope in Christ. We can have comfort in knowing that we are in his presence through every obstacle and triumph we experience. His presence and peace give us strength and security as he anchors our souls through life’s tribulations. The joy that he gives us is far greater than the joy we could ever receive from the world.

Experiencing God’s Presence

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. — Psalm 139:7-10, NIV

God's presence is experienced through your heart. No matter where we may turn or which road we follow, he is there. Living in God’s presence isn’t reserved for special moments or specific places. The joy within God’s presence is true and lasting. In times when you may forget or be distracted, remember, reflect, and give thanks to God for always being there with us.

Here are some ways we can embrace God’s presence and have more awareness of it:

  • Prayer: Pray to God for him to make his presence known to you. Being in prayer can help build on your relationship with God.
  • Talk with God: You can talk to God throughout your day about things that you are thinking and experiencing. 
  • Reading the Bible: Opening your Bible and reading the Scripture within it will help you know the Lord and his character. See and recognize how his actions take place in the modern day.
  • Create a reminder: You can place a visual reminder in your surroundings to prompt you to stop, acknowledge and remember God’s presence throughout the day.

Grand Canyon University is dedicated to helping all the members of the GCU community live in God’s presence. To learn more, take a look at our Christian identity and mission. To explore more about spiritual life at GCU, browse through our weekly devotionals or complete the form on this page. 

Approved by the local outreach coordinator of the Office of Spiritual Life on June 26, 2024

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.