Editor's note: Enjoy this devotion written for Devotionals Daily featuring Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling 52-Week Bible Study.
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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. – Psalm 16:11
Life gets busy, doesn't it? From the moment our feet hit the floor in the morning, the demands of the day gently pull us in countless directions. We lovingly navigate family responsibilities, work deadlines, and an endless stream of notifications. In the beautiful rhythm of it all, do you ever find yourself yearning for something deeper? A sacred connection? A sense of peace that embraces and transcends the chaos?
This yearning is a precious, universal human experience. It's a gentle ache for the one thing that can truly satisfy our souls: the loving presence of God. The psalmist David understood this beautiful truth. He knew that
true, lasting joy isn't found in circumstances or achievements but in the warm presence of our Creator.
The Jesus Calling® 52-Week Bible Study is a wonderful guide that lovingly invites us to journey through an entire year with this heartfelt goal—to intentionally seek and experience God's nurturing presence every single day.
How do we move from simply knowing God is with us to truly experiencing His comforting presence? It begins with a gentle shift in our perspective and a loving commitment to creating intentional space for Him.
The Foundation of Trust
Experiencing God's presence is beautifully built on a foundation of trust. It's difficult to draw near to someone you don't fully trust. In the inspiring pages of Jesus Calling®, we are consistently reminded that God is not only present but also completely trustworthy. He is our rock, our fortress, and our loving deliverer. When we begin to see Him as the unwavering anchor in our lives, our hearts open up to His welcoming presence.
- Trusting His Character: God's character is unchanging and beautiful. He is faithful, loving, and good. Reflect on verses that speak of His faithfulness, like Lamentations 3:22–23, which gently tells us His mercies are new every morning. When we believe in His goodness, we can rest peacefully in His presence without fear or anxiety.
- Trusting His Plan: Life is full of unknowns, but God lovingly holds our future. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Trusting His sovereign plan allows us to release our grip on control and find comfort in knowing He is guiding us, even when the path is unclear.
- Trusting His Promises: Scripture is filled with God's beautiful promises—promises of strength, guidance, and eternal life. When we hold onto these promises, we are not just engaging in wishful thinking; we are standing on the firm, loving ground of His Word. This confidence allows us to feel His nearness and gentle assurance.
Cultivating a Daily Practice
Experiencing God's presence isn't a one-time event; it's a nurturing daily practice. Just like any relationship, our connection with God deepens through consistent, intentional time together. It doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about creating small, sacred habits that lovingly turn our attention toward Him throughout the day.
- Start Your Day with Him: Before the world rushes in, take a few peaceful moments to invite God into your day. Read a short devotional, meditate on a single verse, or simply sit in silence and acknowledge His loving presence. This simple, beautiful act sets the tone for your entire day, reminding you that you are not walking alone.
- Incorporate Scripture: The Bible is God's living Word, a primary way He reveals Himself to us. The Jesus Calling® 52-Week Bible Study pairs weekly themes with specific Scripture passages. As you read, don't just skim the words. Ask God to speak to you through them. How does this passage reveal His loving character? What is He inviting you to do or believe today?
- Practice Gratitude: A grateful heart is an open heart. Throughout your day, make a conscious effort to notice God's blessings, both big and small. Thank Him for the sunshine, for a kind word from a friend, for strength to face a challenge. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to our Provider, making us more aware of His constant, loving care.
- Engage in Prayerful Conversation: Prayer is not a formal monologue but a continuous, nurturing conversation. Talk to God as you would a trusted friend. Share your joys, your worries, and your questions. Listen for His gentle guidance. This ongoing dialogue keeps you connected to His comforting presence in the midst of your daily activities.
Finding His Presence Every Day
God doesn't disappear when life gets hard. In fact, it is often in our times of trial, grief, or uncertainty that we can experience His presence most profoundly. When you feel weary, He promises to be your strength (Isaiah 40:29). When you feel lost, He promises to be your loving guide (Psalm 32:8). When you feel broken, He promises to be near (Psalm 34:18). By leaning into Him during difficult times, we discover a depth of intimacy we might otherwise miss. We learn that His presence is not just a comfort but our very source of endurance and hope.
The journey to experiencing God's presence every day is a lifelong, beautiful adventure. It is an invitation to move beyond knowing about God to truly knowing Him. Let this be the year you lovingly and intentionally cultivate that connection, one day at a time.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the incredible promise that in Your presence there is fullness of joy. Help me to seek You above all else, to create space for You in my busy times, and to trust You every day. Open my eyes to see You, my ears to hear You, and my heart to feel Your loving presence all year long.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Written for Devotionals Daily with permission featuring Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling 52-Week Bible Study.
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Your Turn
Do you sense God’s presence every day? If not, do you want to? Pray with us today: Open my eyes to see You, my ears to hear You, and my heart to feel Your loving presence all year long. ~ Devotionals Daily