The Presence of God

How can we have a true relationship with God? The Bible makes it very clear that our Heavenly Father longs for that relationship, but we human beings do not tend to make Him our priority. Often, when we speak about God or invite people to church, they reply that they barely have enough time to work and attend to their family responsibilities.

Is it necessary to go to church to know and worship God and experience His presence? Although many think it is, it certainly is not. God does not dwell in buildings built by human hands, however beautiful they may be or however dedicated to religious activities. Those buildings sometimes provide a certain atmosphere that makes us feel different and close to God, or surrounded by a peace that does not exist elsewhere. Recently, in a Cuban soap opera, one of the characters, an elderly woman, confessed to a friend that she went to church because there was so much peace there. And the peace she found in church helped her face the problems in her life.

Some people go to church because they were taught to do so from childhood and are now in the habit. Some do it because they enjoy the fellowship they find there. Others like the music and the activities held there. True believers go to learn more about their faith and to worship God alongside others who believe the same things. But what I want to make clear is that having a true relationship with God is something deeper and more meaningful than simply going to a place—even a magnificent temple that inspires reverence and offers peace—and gathering with other people.

As with any other relationship, to know God we must draw near to Him, seek Him, and ask Him to take an interest in our lives. Does God receive everyone who seeks Him? There is no doubt about it! It is just that the path to finding the true God is clearly laid out in the Bible: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, Jesus Christ.”

Any man or woman who needs to find God can come to Him through Jesus Christ, who died on a cross for the sins of all humanity. Yes, for everyone’s sins, including yours and mine. Thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice, we can find God’s forgiveness and have a personal relationship with Him. That means we can talk with Him, experience His forgiveness and His presence, and feel His comfort and companionship even in our own homes or wherever we may be, at any time.

Of course it is very good to go to church and worship with other people! But to experience the blessing of God’s presence, we do not need to go anywhere. We need only seek Him in prayer wherever we are.

God bless you!