Living in God's PresenceSample

What does "living in God’s presence" mean?

“...walk before Me...” (Genesis 17:1)

The Bible contains a lot of commandments and prohibitions. God wants us to treat others well. He forbids us to murder or steal. He wants us to be honest. He wants us to be faithful in our marriages, and so on. But these commandments are not separate prescriptions that you can check off one by one. You can't keep a score as if you've met 35% or 65% of God's will for your life.

God wants your whole life, your whole heart. He wants a relationship with you that is based on reverence and love, not outward obedience alone.

When the Lord made a covenant with Abraham, He said, “Walk before Me.” When the prophet Micah wrote down for the people what God wanted from them, he did not mention all kinds of sacrifices but told them to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” So this is not about certain obligations that you fulfill but about a lifestyle. When you walk with God, you are constantly in His presence, even though you cannot see Him or touch Him.

Does God have a place in your life?