There's nothing quite like the presence of the Lord. We read in the Bible of prophets, disciples and followers of Christ who have experienced God's presence, but when you have your own experience, it's something special.

Spending time in God's presence is essential to our Christian journey. If you don't spend time with a person, how can you know them? If you don't spend time with God, then how do you expect to know Him.

When Paul said, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" in Philippians 3:10, he desired to know Jesus. He wanted to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and sacrifice his life if need be. Paul's desire was birthed from his dedication in spending time with the Lord. The more and more Paul spent with the Lord, the more God revealed to him. But, the only way to have that experience is to stay in the presence of God. (Philippians 3:10, King James Version)

Spending time in God's presence requires discipline and desire. Everything within you must desire to be with Him. Jeremiah 29:13 says that when we have searched for Him with our whole heart, then we will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:13, KJV)

One of the most beautiful things I've discovered while being a Christian is knowing our God is accessible. The Word reminds us in John 4:24, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Therefore, no matter where you are, God is there also. We can call on God at all times. We can worship Him in our cars, our homes and in the tabernacle because He is an accessible God. We have an all-access pass with the Father. (John 4:24, KJV)

In His presence, He has promised us blessings.

In His word, He said, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Liberty means freedom. In God's presence, you are free. You are free over everything that binds you. In God's presence, you are made whole. (2 Corinthians 3:17, KJV)

In His presence, there is fullness of joy. The scripture reminds us that we will have everlasting joy. Joy supersedes happiness because happiness is fleeting. You can be happy today but sad in five minutes. However, when you have joy, your house could be burning, but you still have joy. This type of joy comes from God because we have a Father who can provide it to us. (Psalm 16:11, KJV)

He reminds us that all His righteousness will be added unto us when we seek His face. (Matthew 6:33, KJV)

In His presence, we find rest. Sometimes life gets tough, but Jesus said, “Come all ye that are weary laden, and I will give you rest.” Let Him be your burden bearer. (Exodus 33:14, KJV and Matthew 11:28)

When we desire to be in the presence of the Lord, He will draw closer to us. When we prioritize drawing closer to God, God will draw closer to us. His promises are true. But in order to receive the blessing, we have to stay in His presence. (James 4:8, KJV)

There is a covering in God's presence. There is healing, peace, deliverance, spiritual growth and favor in God's presence.

Start a relationship with Christ and draw close to Him. Begin by opening up your mouth and saying, "Hi Jesus, it's me again." Pour out your heart to Him. Start a morning devotion and ask God to use for His glory. Avail yourself to God and watch Him use you.

There's nothing like the presence of the Lord, and where God is, is surely where we want to be.

Staying in God's Presence