How to Dwell in the Presence of God
Learning how to dwell in the presence of God opened my eyes wide. Here are God’s first mentoring words to me 25 or more years ago, “Let glory arise in me.”
At first, I didn’t know if that voice was God’s or satan’s. Those words contradicted what I knew about glory—to give Him glory and no one else. And what does glory have to do with dwelling in God’s presence?
That simple phrase began a process whereby God challenged my limited knowledge. He wanted to equip me to dwell with Him in heavenly places and share His weighty presence.
How to Dwell in the Presence of God: He Unravels Confusion
The scripture below helped me understand how to dwell in the presence of God.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Isaiah spoke that prophecy over Israel and its people. He went on to say in verse 19 of Isaiah 60 that “your God will be your glory.” The truth of that scripture was transferred to us through the New Covenant.
As God personally taught me the meaning of glory, He not only wanted me to radiate glory but it was His to share. That didn’t lessen my confusion because Isaiah 42:8 presents a different focus.
I am the Lord, that is My Name; My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved idols.
God is the one true God All honor, glory and praise belong to Him. God doesn’t give His glory to idols for praise and glorification. He shares His glory with believers (see the scriptures below).
If you’re burdened with layers of misinformation and religious thoughts, allow God to renew your mind.
Scriptures Teach How to Dwell in the Presence of God
I Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Romans 8:17
And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
John 17:1, 22 (NLT)
After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.
I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.
Exodus 33:18-19 (NLT)
God only let Moses see His goodness, not His glory.
Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.” The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.
2 Corinthians 6:18
For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people
More Suggestions on How to Dwell in the Presence of God
God dwells in heaven and down here on earth is little ol’ me. Do you feel that way too?
When I consider the omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent God, I’m amazed at His interest in me. He thinks His children are wonderful and loves us more than we could even imagine. Knowing that, how do you enter into His presence?
In addition to meditating on scripture, God responds to praises, singing, and praying (as other examples). Once you’re fixed on Him, you want to abide in Him (under the shadow of the Almighty). When you don’t dwell in His presence, you open doors to anxiety, worry, hate, and instigate all kinds of earthly problems.
Have you noticed how peaceful you are when hanging out with God? That’s how He is all the time. He’s steadfast and doesn’t change. You can expect Him to always be the same even though other people and you aren’t.
Practice becoming aware of Him. He’s always close by and invites you into His space because He wants a close relationship. Moreover, He wants you to bear fruit and He makes that happen through the Holy Spirit who lives inside you. Sometimes when you’re in His presence, you realize His wisdom, love, or power flows out of you. That signifies you dwell in Him.
Fine Tuning How to Dwell in the Presence of God
God’s glory resided in the tent of meeting or tabernacle when the Israelites were in the wilderness. Only Levitical priests could enter the Holy of Holies to make sacrifices for God’s people.
All that changed.
Today’s believers link to God’s glory through Jesus. God sees a believer’s goodness through the blood of Jesus. His glory resides in a believer through the Holy Spirit rather than a physical tabernacle. He’s available on demand!
God keeps revealing Himself as I search for His truth. I Corinthians 3:18 reveals what happens. He transforms believers into His image in “ever-increasing glory.” And it doesn’t stop there. Romans 8:17 indicates. He shares His glory and Jesus gave us in glory (John 17:22).
None of us will learn everything there is to know about how to dwell in the presence of God. There’s always more to learn. That first truth about glory I mentioned at the beginning of this post hasn’t changed. I don’t take credit for what He does. I give Him ALL the glory and honor for everything He does.
But now, I’m more comfortable knowing He doesn’t mind sharing His glory. He’s thrilled when I shine for Him as a co-worker in His Kingdom. His glory outshines any darkness in me as long as I dwell in His presence.