If a fish is taken out of water, it will begin to suffocate because fish extract oxygen from water through their gills. Without water, they cannot breathe properly, leading to a rapid buildup of carbon dioxide in their bloodstream, eventually causing suffocation and death if not returned to water quickly.
It is a fundamental truth that our existence, purpose, and sustenance are intricately tied to God’s presence. We are created to dwell in God’s presence 24/7, living in constant awareness of Him. What does that look like?
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10. Christ came, died, and resurrected to restore our access to God’s presence and reunite us with the Father.
There are two aspects of God’s presence: omnipresence and manifest presence. The manifest presence of God is His conscious, intentional, and delightful presence.
David acknowledges God’s omnipresence in Psalm 139:7-10:
“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.”
While everyone will acknowledge God’s omnipresence, even the devil trembles at the knowledge of God’s presence. However, God’s manifested presence is different.
The manifest presence of God is His intentional, joyful presence: it should be our default state, our dwelling place; that is where we truly live abundantly.
During his address at the Areopagus in Athens, Paul emphasised our existence within God’s presence, quoting Greek poets to illustrate our inherent connection to God as His offspring, highlighting our continuous dependence on and connection to God’s presence for our being and purpose.
He says, “For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.” Acts 17:28
In summary, our lives find their fullest expression and purpose in God’s manifest presence, where we are sustained, guided, and fulfilled.
Psalm 16:11 says: “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.”
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk