What happens in God's presence

       God’s presence is a transformative, awe-inspiring, and life-changing experience. Throughout Scripture, individuals who encountered God’s presence experienced joy, peace, power, guidance, and transformation. So, what happens when someone enters God's presence, as revealed in the Bible?

1. The Manifest Presence of God

      God is omnipresent, meaning He exists everywhere at all times (Psalm 139:7-10). However, the Bible also speaks of His manifest presence, which is when God makes Himself known in a tangible and powerful way. This happens when individuals or groups experience a deep awareness of God’s glory, holiness, and love.

      In Exodus 3:1-6, Moses encountered God in the burning bush. The fire did not consume the bush, symbolizing God's supernatural presence. When Moses drew near, God spoke to him, calling him to deliver Israel. This encounter changed Moses' life and set the course of Israel’s history.

      Similarly, in Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost with tongues of fire and a mighty rushing wind. This manifestation of God’s presence filled them with the power to preach the Gospel boldly.

      God’s manifest presence brings transformation, calling, and empowerment for His purposes.

2. God’s Presence Brings Joy and Fulfillment

      One of the greatest blessings of being in God’s presence is experiencing deep, abiding joy. Psalm 16:11 declares: "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

      This means that true joy does not come from material wealth, human achievements, or fleeting pleasures but from God Himself. King David understood this, often seeking the presence of God in worship and prayer. His psalms frequently express how encountering God fills the soul with delight.

      In the New Testament, Paul and Silas experienced joy in God’s presence even in suffering. In Acts 16:25, they were imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, yet they sang hymns to God at midnight. Despite their chains, they found joy in God’s nearness, and He miraculously delivered them.

      God’s presence satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart, bringing joy that surpasses circumstances.

3. God’s Presence Brings Peace and Rest

      The world is full of stress, anxiety, and trouble, but God’s presence offers peace beyond understanding.

      In Exodus 33:14, God promised Moses:

"My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

      This means that walking with God brings assurance and calm, even in difficult times. Jesus also reassured His followers in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

      One powerful example of this peace is seen in Mark 4:35-41, where Jesus calmed a raging storm while the disciples panicked. His presence alone was enough to restore calm.

      God’s presence provides rest and peace, even in the midst of life's storms.

4. God’s Presence Brings Power and Strength

      In the Bible, many people were weak and afraid until they encountered God’s presence, which gave them supernatural strength. Acts 1:8 states "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses."

      The disciples, who had once been fearful and hiding, were transformed after receiving the Holy Spirit’s presence. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, boldly preached to thousands and led many to salvation.

      Another example is Gideon in Judges 6. He saw himself as weak and insignificant, but when God’s presence was with him, he became a mighty warrior who defeated an army with only 300 men.

      When God’s presence fills a person, they receive courage, power, and boldness to accomplish His work.

5. God’s Presence Brings Transformation and Holiness

      Encountering God changes a person from the inside out. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says:

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory."

      A prime example is Isaiah’s vision of God in Isaiah 6:1-8. When Isaiah saw God’s holiness, he became deeply aware of his sin and cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” However, God cleansed him and called him to be a prophet.

      Similarly, when Peter encountered Jesus’ power in Luke 5:8, he fell at His feet and said, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” But instead of rejecting Peter, Jesus called him to become a fisher of men.

      God’s presence convicts, cleanses and transforms people into His likeness.

6. God’s Presence Brings Guidance and Wisdom

      Psalm 73:24 says: "You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory."

      In Exodus 13:21, God guided Israel through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. This visible manifestation of His presence led them every step of the way.

      In the New Testament, Jesus promises in John 16:13 that the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth. This means that God’s presence provides clarity in decisions, wisdom in difficult situations, and direction for life’s journey.

      Seeking God’s presence brings wisdom and divine guidance.

7. God’s Presence Leads to Worship and Reverence

      Whenever people encountered God in the Bible, they were filled with awe and worship.

      In Revelation 4, the angels and elders around God's throne constantly worship Him, declaring, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”

      When Moses met God on Mount Sinai in Exodus 34:29-35, his face shone so brightly from God’s presence that people were afraid to approach him. Being in God’s presence left a visible mark on him.

      Likewise, when Jesus performed miracles, people often fell to their knees in worship (Luke 5:8, Matthew 28:9).

      Experiencing God’s presence inspires humility, awe, and heartfelt worship.

8. God’s Presence Brings Healing and Refreshing

      Acts 3:19 says: "Times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Wherever Jesus went, His presence brought healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In Mark 5:25-34, a woman who had suffered from a bleeding disorder for 12 years was healed simply by touching His garment.

      Another example is David in Psalm 23, where he describes how God restores his soul and leads him beside still waters. God’s presence renews and refreshes weary hearts.

      God’s presence brings healing, renewal, and restoration.

      The Bible reveals that God’s presence is life-changing. It brings:

● Joy and fulfillment (Psalm 16:11)

● Peace and rest (Exodus 33:14)

● Power and strength (Acts 1:8)

● Transformation and holiness (Isaiah 6:1-8)

● Guidance and wisdom (Psalm 73:24)

● Worship and reverence (Revelation 4)

● Healing and refreshing (Acts 3:19)

      To experience God’s presence, we must seek Him in prayer, worship, and obedience. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”