The Presence of God
What holds us back from experiencing the true glory of God?
Think back to a time when you felt on top of the world—perhaps after a job promotion, enjoying a delicious meal, meeting a new partner, or even experiencing the effects of alcohol or drugs. These moments of excitement can be euphoric, but they are fleeting and temporary. No matter how satisfying they feel in the moment, they pale in comparison to the lasting joy found in God's presence. Deep down, we recognize that these brief highs don’t address the deeper struggles within us—the pain, guilt, and unresolved emotions that wage war within our subconscious mind. We often distract ourselves with one thing after another, unaware that we’re missing out on something far more profound: the pure, peaceful glory of God. The fleeting pleasure of worldly experiences, when compared to God's glory, is like a stale microwave meal versus a five-star dinner made with fresh, hand-picked ingredients. The fake substances of worldly highs will never satisfy or nourish our soul like the true and pure things of God. Without pursuing spiritual growth through God’s wisdom, we are like a child who doesn’t yet realize the incredible potential of their own body—unaware of the gifts they’ve been given and unable to fully appreciate the richness available to them.
Jesus is called the Mighty Counselor and the Prince of Peace—titles that go beyond poetry or fiction. They speak directly to His nature and the role He plays in our lives. Jesus, who is undoubtedly alive today through spiritual encounters across the globe, offers counsel directly in our hearts and minds. We don't have to wait for an appointment with a therapist—Jesus is always available to help us uncover the hidden parts of ourselves. In our silence and surrender He reveals the sin, pain, fears, distractions, and wounds that keep us from fully experiencing God's glory. Since God is perfect, eternal, and unchanging, we cannot fully encounter His presence unless we address the layers that distort our view of Him.
Our understanding of God can sometimes be clouded by our own judgments, pain, or misunderstandings—much like how, as children, we may have seen a teacher as strict or unkind, only to later realize they were shaping us with love and wisdom. Similarly, sin isn't just the obvious offenses like hatred or lying; it’s also the subtle struggles we face daily—anxiety, fear, overthinking, stress. These small struggles build walls around our hearts, making it harder to experience God’s love and peace. God is knocking at those walls, longing for us to let go so He can speak to us face to face, like a father who loves His child deeply.
Many people associate the word "sin" with guilt, shame, and condemnation, often influenced by a distorted, human view that has nothing to do with God’s glory. This can make sin feel like something to fear or something that defines us—something that traps us in guilt. But in reality, sin is not an identity; it’s a blemish that keeps us from experiencing the peace and love God intends for us. It’s not something we should fear, but something we must recognize as a distortion of who we truly are—something never meant to define us.
Imagine sin like a pimple on your face. It’s uncomfortable, maybe even embarrassing, but it’s not permanent. Just as a pimple can be treated and eventually healed, sin can be addressed and healed when we turn to God. God is our healer—Jesus is the medicine He has provided. The solution is simple yet profound: we need to embrace the guidance and love of Jesus, allowing our belief in His sacrifice to cleanse us and heal us completely.
Sin is not a label that defines us. It's a temporary obstacle that we can overcome with God's help. When we recognize it for what it is and seek God’s healing, we can move beyond it and experience the peace and joy we were always meant to have.
Many people who have sought God's touch in quiet moments of prayer, worship, or reflection speak of feeling His presence deeply. When we allow ourselves to connect with God, His Spirit resonates within us, offering a taste of the peace and joy that await us when we fully unite with Him. Even though these moments can feel fleeting, they remind us that this is just a glimpse of the lasting joy and peace that await us when we fully surrender to God’s Spirit.
The true nature of God is not one of condemnation or guilt. He doesn’t hold our sins over our heads or punish us for the traumas we’ve experienced—especially those passed down through generations. God loves us deeply and desires to set us free to experience the true, lasting euphoria found in His presence.
God has made the way for us to trust in His Son, Jesus. There is no other path to true peace and joy in this world, and while the darkness of this world tries to complicate and obscure this simple message, God’s invitation remains clear: Come, be free, and experience the fullness of life He offers.