Feeling distant from God? I’ve been there too. It can be a lonely place. But the truth is that God is everywhere, and He is just as close to us as He’s ever been. We just have to become aware of different ways to experience His presence. I hope that these five points will encourage you to dig deeper in your relationship with God and show you that you can experience the presence of God anywhere you go!
1. God’s Word
There is no better place to hear from God than in the Bible. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” God has provided the Bible for us to learn more about Him, His promises, and His will for us. God’s Word provides insight on any issue that we may have. It brings peace in times of stress, comfort in times of sadness, and clarity in times of confusion. Reading the Bible regularly can really open up our hearts to hear what God is speaking to us.
2. Nature
Another great way to experience more of God is to observe nature. God has created every beautiful and natural thing on this earth. Job 12:7-10 says,
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Take a short walk each day to enjoy the plants and animals and their sounds and smells. Consider the fact that every breath of every living thing on earth is a praise to our God. Isn’t that amazing?
3. Silence and Solitude
It is easy to get so caught up in the motions of our day-to-day activities that we forget to spend some alone time with God. I like to spend 10 to 15 minutes each day just sitting in silence. No music. No cell phone. No distractions. It’s important to slow down sometimes so that we can remember to listen to God’s voice and thank Him for His goodness. 1 Kings 19:11-12 says,
“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
Sometimes, we expect to hear God’s voice through big moments or significant turning points in our lives. This is definitely a possibility, but we should also remember that it is possible for God to speak in the seemingly smallest and most insignificant moments.
4. Music
I am so thankful for music! Music is a great way to get in tune with the Lord. Music has been around since the beginning of time, and some of the first known songs were spiritual in nature. Whether it’s inspirational scripture-based music or instrumental worship, it is sure to lift your spirits. Try singing along (even if you’re not the best singer) or even playing an instrument or writing your own music. Psalm 105:2 says, “Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” Singing praises to God is a way to remind ourselves of all the wonderful things He has done in our lives. Even in our more quiet moments, we can usually find a song to match our needs.
5. Exercise
Head to the gym or get outside and take a walk or run! Exercise is so important because it allows us to physically nourish our bodies, which are gifts from God. Exercise puts us in a better physical and mental shape to go out and do the work that God is calling us to do. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” We are God’s creations, and we should honor Him by taking care of our bodies. We need to have just as much concern for taking care of our bodies than we have for taking care of the earth. Both the earth and its creatures are created and treasured by God. How can we put so much effort into preventing pollution, littering, and global warming, but then destroy our own bodies through sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating? Taking care of your body is a way of thanking God for forming you and putting yourself in the best shape to serve Him.
God is never far away! He is pursuing us, but sometimes we complicate things by being too busy to pursue Him. Devoting a few minutes every day to experience God’s presence will make us more open to hearing His voice. There is no greater peace than the peace that comes from abiding in God.
