There are moments when life feels overwhelming—moments when the weight of responsibilities, worries, or heartache presses down on us. In those moments, I’ve found myself wondering if I have the strength to keep going. But even in my most fragile states, I have felt something extraordinary: the undeniable presence of God.
It isn’t always a grand moment, like a parting sea or a booming voice from heaven. Sometimes, it’s in the stillness of my heart, the soft whisper that reassures me I’m not alone. Other times, it’s in the way the morning light spills across the room, gently reminding me that His mercies are new every day (Lamentations 3:22-23).
God’s presence is not something we earn or have to search endlessly for. It is a gift—a promise He’s made to us. In Isaiah 41:10, He tells us,
These words are more than just comfort; they are a foundation we can stand on when the ground beneath us feels shaky.
The Beauty of His Nearness
When I think about God’s presence, I think about the safety and peace it brings. Imagine being wrapped in a warm, familiar embrace. That’s what His nearness feels like. It’s a refuge where we can exhale the burdens we’ve been carrying. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Knowing this doesn’t mean our troubles vanish, but it means we are never facing them alone.
There was a season in my life when I felt lost and uncertain. I didn’t know where to turn or how to navigate the challenges before me. I cried out to God—not with eloquent prayers, but with raw, tear-filled words. And do you know what? He met me there. Not because I had it all together, but because He is faithful.
He reminded me that His presence isn’t contingent on my perfection. It doesn’t waver when I stumble or falter. Instead, His love pursues me, even in the darkest valleys. Psalm 23:4 resonates deeply: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Recognizing His Presence in Everyday Life
Sometimes, we miss the beauty of God’s presence because we’re looking for something dramatic. But His presence often shows up in the quiet, ordinary moments of our lives.
I see Him in the kindness of a friend who checks in on me when I least expect it. I feel Him in the words of a worship song that suddenly brings me to tears. I hear Him in the laughter of my children and the rustling leaves on a peaceful afternoon walk.
But let’s be honest—there are times when His presence feels harder to recognize. When the chaos of life drowns out His still, small voice, it’s easy to feel disconnected. In those moments, I remind myself of His promise in James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
When I intentionally pause to seek Him—whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or simply sitting in silence—He reveals Himself in ways that take my breath away. It’s as if He’s been patiently waiting for me to slow down and notice Him.
The Power of Trusting His Presence
Trusting God’s presence transforms the way we face life’s challenges. It doesn’t mean we won’t face heartache or struggle, but it does mean we don’t have to carry those burdens alone.
When I feel overwhelmed, I lean on the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
There is rest in His presence—real, soul-deep rest that cannot be found anywhere else. When we trust Him, we release the need to control everything ourselves. We place our worries, fears, and uncertainties into His capable hands, knowing that He works all things for our good.
A Relationship, Not a Checklist
One of the most beautiful things about God’s presence is that it isn’t tied to how well we perform. It’s not about ticking off a spiritual checklist or doing enough to earn His favor.
It’s about relationship. It’s about drawing close to Him, being honest about our struggles, and allowing Him to fill the empty spaces in our hearts. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
That image of Jesus standing at the door of our hearts is deeply personal. It reminds us that He wants intimacy with us—not just a passing acknowledgment but a deep connection that shapes every part of our lives.
Encouragement for the Weary Heart
If you’ve been feeling distant from God, I want to encourage you: He has not left you. His presence is as near as your next breath. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Let those words settle into your heart. He is with you. Right now, in this very moment. Whether you’re rejoicing or struggling, He is present, and His love for you is unshakable.
I know how easy it is to feel like you’re not enough—like you’ve failed too many times or drifted too far. But God’s presence is not limited by our mistakes. In fact, He often meets us most profoundly in our brokenness.
When I look back on my life, I see how faithful He has been, even when I wasn’t. He has carried me through storms I thought I’d never survive. And if He’s done it before, I trust He will do it again.
A Prayer to Feel His Presence
If you’re longing to feel God’s presence more deeply, can I pray with you?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise to never leave us or forsake us. In moments when we feel alone or overwhelmed, remind us of Your nearness. Open our hearts to recognize You in the everyday moments and teach us to trust in Your unfailing love. Let Your presence bring us peace, strength, and joy. Thank You for being our refuge, our comfort, and our hope. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God’s presence is a treasure—a constant source of comfort and strength. It’s a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what life throws our way.
Let’s choose to embrace His nearness, to seek Him in the quiet and the chaos, and to trust that He is always working for our good. And as we rest in His presence, may we be filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
You are seen, loved, and held by the One who never leaves your side. Rest in that truth today, my friend. God is with us, now and always.
With Love & Support,
Dr. Monica
#love2life
