3 Aspects Of God's Presence

There are three aspects of God's presence. As Believers, it is so important for us to know how to connect with God. Some folks complain that they can't "find" God. My prayer is that all of us will be encouraged to "find" Him as He abides, as He is present everywhere, and as He manifests Himself on various ways.

1. His abiding presence—The Lord will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). He has promised to abide with us forever. The Holy Spirit lives in us, and there is never a moment when He is not with us. We abide in Him and He in us. Learn how to draw from His well of refreshing in your heart. (Is. 12:3)

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you (John 14:16–18, See also: Pss. 61:4, 7; 91:1; Jn 15:4; 15:5–10; 1 Jn 2:28; 3:6, 24).

God's abiding presence causes us to have intimacy with Him in worship. He is very near to, and easily found by those who would seek Him (Is. 55:6).

2. His omnipresence—He is everywhere at all times. God is the only One in heaven or upon earth who is able to be present in all places at all times. He is also the only One who is omnipotent and omniscient. Although the terms omnipresent and omnipresence are not found in Scripture, the idea of God's omnipresence is presupposed and found throughout. The omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience of God are all related—He is God who is present everywhere, all-powerful and all knowing. (See: Deut. 4:39; Prov. 15:3; Jer. 23:23–24; Amos 9:2).

David knew that he could not escape the presence and gaze of God when he cried:

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? (Ps. 139:7; see vs. 6–16).

For the worshiper, God's omnipresence makes worship much simpler. We do not have to rely upon a particular location, building, liturgy or format in order to worship Him. Our hearts are His tabernacle—wherever we go we are able to draw near to Him.

3. His manifest presence—This aspect of God's presence is usually what we are talking about when we say we can't "feel" God near us. God is especially present at certain times and places. “Manifest” describes God's revelation of Himself or His will and purpose—He makes Himself known to us in our hearts and minds, or "shows" some kind of demonstration of Himself to His people. The abiding presence and omnipresence of God are a continuous fact, but His manifest presence is an act of God toward His people that takes place in a certain moment of time.

You are God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples (Ps. 77:14; see also: Ps. 90:16; Ez 28:25; Jn. 17:6; 1 Cor. 12:7; Col. 1:26).

When we worship God, we are completely dependent upon Him to manifest Himself to us—it is a work of grace in response to our hunger. True and prophetic worship is not possible unless His presence is made manifest. My desire is that we would all come to know His manifest presence in our churches.