What do we mean when we say "God is Present?"
God is omnipresent, which means that all of God is everywhere all of the time. There is no place or time in which God cannot be found. Hence, God has unlimited, continuous access to the whole of creation.

Biblical Teaching
Ps. 139:7-12. God’s enduring presence means he:

• Cannot be contained, 1 Kgs. 8:27; Is. 66:1; Acts 7:48-50; 17:24; Eph. 1:23
• Is in every part of space, Jer. 23:23-24
• Protects us in the midst of evil circumstances, Ps. 118:6-7
• Replaces our fears with strength and courage, Ps. 23:4
• Revives us when we sin, Is. 57:15
• Empowers us to serve him, Mt. 28:19-20; Dt. 31:6, 8; Jos. 1:5; Heb. 13:5
• Wants our worship and praise wherever we are, Jn. 4:20-24

  To Consider: God is geographically or spatially present to everyone. However, he is relationally present to different people under different circumstances, Ps. 51:11; Mk. 15:34; 2 Thess. 1:9.

In speaking about hell, Jonathan Edwards, the famous 18th century preacher, once said that the worst possible state for individuals is to live eternally in the presence and majesty of the One whom they rejected with no hope of establishing a relationship with Him. In other words, hell is not so much geographically removed from God's presence but relationally removed from it.

Practical Implications

• We can cultivate our relationship with God wherever we are and whenever we choose. He is ever-present to respond.
• We can be sure he understands our present circumstances and frustrations with the future. He is ever-present to carry our burdens.
• We can rely on him for grace and forgiveness when we sin. He is ever-present to pardon.
• Because God is everywhere all the time, loneliness is never really something we will objectively experience. He is ever-present to relate.
• We can cast all our anxieties on God because he cares for us (1 Pt. 5:7). He is ever-present to sympathize, Heb. 4:15-16.
• Any successes we have enjoyed is because he was there to enable them. He is ever-present to empower for service.
• We can turn to God in prayer no matter where we are. He is ever-present to listen.

Reflections
When have you especially felt God’s presence in your life? Explain.
What measures can you take to rest in God’s abounding presence when trials and temptations occur?