Are you in need of God’s presence? I recently needed to sense His presence and hear Him speak before I could move forward. Not audibly, but within my spirit.

My husband and I were invited to speak at a marriage retreat located on the beautiful Gulf, and with much prayer and preparation, we were ready. We both were at peace.

Our Balcony View

However, with one doubtful thought, my anxiety encroached on my peace.

Have you ever had a peaceful day and were blindsided by a negative thought?

It only takes one, doesn’t it?

As I stood in my hotel room looking at the vast emerald green body of water I wondered if God was with me.  I wondered if God would use my mess to bless others. I wondered if my efforts and obedience would honor God and glorify Him.

Then I remembered that I needed to apply my word “REST” that God had given me to cling to this year. To learn more you can watch the video here.

The R in “REST” is to remind me to recognize God’s presence is with me no matter where I am or what I am going through.

So, I prayed that God would show Himself, speak in the small, still voice I am familiar with, and restore my peace.

I know that if God does not speak I cannot speak. Otherwise, it would be babble to the hearers. I needed reassurance from my heavenly Father.

I began to look and listen, expecting Him to answer.

When you pray do you expect a response from God?

If not I encourage you to. When you seek Him with all of your heart you will find Him and He will answer you (Jeremiah 29:13, Psalm 34:4).

As I stood still before God waiting for Him I saw something emerge from the water. It was not just a couple of dolphins, but many!

Each time they would rise above the surface it was as if God said, “Have confidence for I am with you.”

I immediately felt His presence. I felt a reassurance that what I planned to share was a true leading of the Lord.

Whatever doubt I had was not from Him.

See, God knows our heart’s desires and when we delight in Him, even in the simple things, He delights in showing Himself to us (Psalm 37:4).

I know that there is nowhere I can go that God is not there, but sometimes I need to feel that truth(Psalm 139:7-12). To be honest, I need to see that truth when my faith feels weak.

How about you? Do you need to experience God’s presence?

Are you crying out to Him wondering if He really hears you?

Are you looking for Him and cannot seem to find Him anywhere?

It takes an undivided heart to believe, and a pure heart to see God (Matthew 5:8-Hebrews 12:14).

I wonder if sometimes we forfeit seeing God because our hearts are divided between believing Him at His word and relying on ourselves.

When our house is divided, we see our circumstances as chaos, but when we are undivided and allow God to hold our lives in His hands we see our circumstances with purpose. We can trust He will use all things for His glory (Romans 8:28).

I know from God’s word that He sees you (Genisis  16:13). Yes, you. He sees you standing there wondering where He is and if He really hears you.

The answer is YES! Sometimes when we cannot feel or see His presence we must choose to trust His heart.

God is not deaf, nor does He turn a deaf ear towards you (Isaiah 59:1). He hears your every word and groans (Romans 8:26).

As you search for Him I encourage you to purify your heart; undefiled from jealousy, gossip, lust, worry… When you do, you will not only see God but know that you know He is with you.

He will never leave you, friend.

Recognize His presence is always with you no matter where you are or what you are going through. Sometimes just knowing He is with us is all we need to get through the day.