From the very beginning, God’s presence is evident. As God created man in His image, He did so with the intention of fellowship. Genesis 3:8 describes God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, seeking Adam and Eve.

This intimate picture of God desiring to be with His creation sets the stage for the rest of scripture. Let’s look at some passages in both the New and Old Testament that show God coming after us and promising His presence.

Exodus 33:14

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

This promise was given to the Israelites during a time of uncertainty and transition. They were journeying through the wilderness, and Moses sought assurance that God would not abandon them. God’s response was clear and comforting: He would be with them, providing rest and peace.

Joshua 1:9

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, he needed courage and strength. God’s promise of His presence was the foundation of Joshua’s confidence. Why did Joshua not need to be afraid? Why could he be strong and courageous? Because God would be with him wherever he went. 

Psalm 46:1-2

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea…”

In times of trouble, we can turn to God for strength. When we face difficulties, we can run to God and find refuge in His presence. In light of God’s presence, verse two then draws the conclusion, “Therefore we will not fear…”  Even when everything else is unstable, we can find stability in Him. Knowing God’s presence in the midst of trials and unknowns casts out fear.

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.”

These verses remind us that there is no place we can go where God is not present. This truth provides immense comfort, knowing we are never out of God’s reach.

Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

This verse challenges many of our wrong ideas about God. Often, we think of Him as being with us reluctantly. Yet this verse reflects a God who delights in being with us, a God who quiets our fears with His love. 

Matthew 1:23

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”

The name Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” once again points to God’s pursuit of us. This promise of God’s presence is fulfilled in Jesus, who came to dwell among us.

1 Corinthians 3:16

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

This verse highlights our intimate relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are God’s temple, and His Spirit dwells within us, ensuring His constant presence.

Matthew 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As Jesus prepared to ascend to heaven, He commissioned His followers to make disciples and assured them that His presence would remain with them. This promise extends to us today. As we seek to share the good news, Jesus is with us. We are never alone.

John 14:16-17

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His followers, who will be with us forever. The Holy Spirit’s presence within us is a testament to God’s continual presence and guidance.

Revelation 21:3

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.’”

This verse points to the future when God’s presence will be fully realized among His people. It is a promise of eternal communion with God, where we will experience His presence in its fullness. This hope encourages us to persevere, knowing that one day, we will dwell with God forever.

The promise of God’s presence is a profound and comforting truth that we can hold onto in every season of life. As we meditate on these scriptures, let us be encouraged and strengthened by the knowledge that we are never alone.

May we, like David, come to say, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).