God’s universal presence surrounds us as the air surrounds the soaring eagle or the Pacific engulfs the dolphin as it dives, “for in him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28). Whitney
Experiencing the presence of God is something that we ought to grow more familiar with each day as mature in our spiritual health. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. For one thing we might be too easily satisfied with the things of the world. C.S. Lewis said:
“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
Experiencing the presence of God means that our greatest desire is fixed on Him. Experiencing His presence doesn’t mean we fix our thoughts on the blessings He gives, the peace He brings, the hope He assures, instead it is the desire to fix our attention on Him, in His person. His presence is sure to be known when we know the specifics of who He is revealing Himself to be through the Bible, for this is His most accurate and clear revelation of Himself. The words contain the very thoughts that He inspired men to write in order to reveal Himself. There is no greater source for our knowledge of his character and attributes. Therefore, we ought to delight our thoughts in the Scripture to more fully understand Him.
Charles Spurgeon says of Jesus’ perspective on the presence of God, “The Heavenly Father was in every place, and in every thing to Jesus . . . Refuse to see anything without seeing God in it.” Therefore, pursue Him through His Word, or seek Him through experiences that are focused on His Word, or discover Him through everyday life in ways that are informed by His Word. So as the eagle soars, the dolphin swims, or the air you breathe, develop eyes to see the God who is with you in all things.
