3 Tangible Ways God Makes His Presence Known to Us
There are times in life when God feels distant.
You pray, but the silence feels louder than your words. You show up to church and try to stay hopeful—but still wonder: Where is God?
If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. And you’re not without hope. Because even when God feels far away, He has never stopped being present.
In fact, He’s given us real, tangible ways to experience His nearness: through the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, through His Living Word, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This isn’t just spiritual theory. It’s how God has always met His people—from the wilderness, to the cross, to right where you are today.
God Has Always Gone Before Us
In Deuteronomy 31, the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land without Moses. They’re afraid. It’s unfamiliar territory. But Moses reminds them:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
God wasn’t just leading them forward—He was going with them.
To make that reality more tangible, God instructed the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. It was a visible sign of His invisible presence. His way of saying, “I’m right here with you.”
We Receive His Presence Through Sacrament
Today, we don’t have the Ark—but we do have the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion: visible signs of God’s grace.
Jesus knew His disciples were about to experience His arrest, death, and the confusion that would follow. During Passover—the Jewish holiday remembering how God delivered Israel from Egypt—He broke the bread and poured the wine and said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
It wasn’t just about remembering. It was about presence.
Just as Passover reminded Israel that God made a way through the Red Sea, Communion reminds us that Jesus has made a way—for our salvation and through our struggles.
In the waters of baptism, we are claimed as God’s own. In the bread and cup, we’re nourished by His nearness. Through the sacraments, we receive His presence.
We Consume His Presence Through Scripture
The Bible isn’t just history or instruction. It’s God’s Living Word. When we open Scripture, we don’t just learn about God—we meet Him.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
When we feel lost, we don’t have to stay in the dark. God’s Word lights the way and reminds us who He is and who we are.
Even a few verses a day can quiet your soul. Let God speak. Let His presence take root. Abide in His Word.
We Activate His Presence Through the Spirit
Here’s the amazing part: the Spirit of God lives in you.
“The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you.” (Romans 8:11)
That’s not just comforting—it’s empowering.
The Holy Spirit enables us to live out our faith, face challenges with courage, serve others with compassion, and reflect Christ in everyday life.
He moves us to speak the truth in love, heal the broken, contend for the faith, and entrust that faith to others—living out the purpose Jesus calls us to.
God’s Still God. And He’s Still Present.
No matter what you’re facing, you are not alone. Through the sacraments, through Scripture, and through the Spirit, God is with you—right here, right now.
When you need to remember He’s near, take Communion. When you need assurance, open His Word. Pay attention to how the Spirit is moving in your life.
God’s presence isn’t far. It’s closer than you think.
This post is inspired by message seven of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “God’s Presence Among Us: Through Sacrament, Scripture, and Spirit” by Pastor Gaylyn Kelly. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.”