#1517. How can we become a people of God’s presence? (15/5/26)
- Matt Beaney
- May 15
- 5 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we finish our short series in celebration of our church’s 150th anniversary.
If we desire to have God’s presence at the centre, we must do the things that put Him at the centre.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
‘Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”’ (Exodus 33:15-16)
This week, as part of our church’s 150th anniversary celebrations, we’ve been reflecting on Exodus 33 and God’s call for His people to continue to ‘go up’ on His mission. Moses understood that this mission could only be fulfilled through the presence of God. It was God’s presence that would guide them, empower them, and distinguish them from the nations around them. Today, let’s briefly reflect on how we too can become a people who keep God’s presence at the very heart of all we are and all we do.
In a world of competing values, Christians are called to value God’s presence above all else. But we need to be practical about this. Whatever we truly value, we will pursue. If we want greater fitness, financial stability, or growth in our work, we must give ourselves to the habits and priorities that lead to those things. It’s no good saying, “I want a promotion,” while spending our working hours distracted by computer games or social media!
In the same way, if we want God’s presence — the Holy Spirit — to be at the heart of our lives and churches, we must intentionally pursue the kinds of practices, attitudes, and priorities that help us walk closely with Him. So, how can we become a people of God’s presence?
1. Believe the gospel
Too often, people speak about pursuing God’s presence without reference to the gospel. If we’re not careful, we can whip ourselves into frenzied and striving activity in the pursuit of “revival”. However, we enter the Christian life by grace through the gospel, and it is through the gospel that we are made fit for God’s holy presence.
Jesus’ death for our sin has given us complete and confident access to the holy place — to God’s very presence. We do not earn access through spiritual performance; we receive it through Christ.
Firstly then, if we are to pursue the presence of God, we must believe the gospel, rest in the gospel, and live in the confidence that, you are holy and qualified for the Holy Spirit by the gospel.
2. Thirst for God’s presence
At the heart of our church vision is Jesus’ invitation:
‘“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit…’ (John 7:37-39)
Moses desired God more than the promised land. Blessing without God was not enough. Too often, we can become satisfied with, and desire what God gives, without actually hungering and thirsting for intimacy with God Himself.
A people of God’s presence are those who continually pray for the Holy Spirit’s presence.
3. Repentance
Having said that we are qualified for God’s holy presence through the gospel, this does not negate the need to seeking holiness if we are to enjoy the fulness of the Spirit.
The context of our text is that of Israel’s sin -making the golden calf- and therefore, God saying that His presence will not go with them - this leads to Moses prayer in our text.
How does this all apply to Christians? In brief, a Christian can never lose the presence of God, but we can grieve Him and so limit His work. This is why we are urged:
‘And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.’ (Ephesians 4:30)
If we truly desire the fullness of God’s presence, let’s be quick to repent, quick to forgive, and quick to return to Him.
4. We must learn to depend on Him daily
Moses knew that Israel could not fulfil God’s mission in their own strength. They needed God to guide, protect, empower, and sustain them every step of the way.
The same is true for us. Churches can rely on programmes, personalities, and plans, but only the Holy Spirit can bring life, conviction, salvation, transformation, and power.
Jesus said:
‘“Apart from me you can do nothing.”’ (John 15:5)
God’s presence becomes precious when we recognise our deep dependence upon Him. Those who truly desire to remain ‘in the vine’ and bear lasting fruit will, like Moses and Joshua, keep returning to the ‘tent of meeting’ (see Exodus 33).
This speaks of a life - and church - devoted to prayer, worship, and waiting upon God.
Response
What truly distinguishes our lives and churches from the world around us?
Is it activity, ability, reputation or success… or is it the presence of God?
Are we truly seeking God Himself, or merely His blessings?
Today, let us pray like Moses:
‘“Lord, if Your presence does not go with us, we do not want to move without You.”’
And let us pray with confidence in light of Jesus’ wonderful promise:
‘“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
May we become a people who hunger for His presence, walk in holiness, depend upon Him fully, and seek Him daily.
To watch our anniversary video, please select the link below:
Community Group Study
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
On Sunday, we celebrated 150 years since the founding of Community Church Putney in 1876.
A text that has really spoken to us in recent years - the text that is at the heart of our devotions this week - is Exodus 33:15-16.
Please read Exodus 33:15-16 and discuss:
Personal Reflection – What brought you to Community Church, and what has really encouraged you during your time here?
What is at the heart of Moses dissatisfaction with God’s offer?
What does it mean to be distinguished by God’s presence, and how can we seek to be such a church?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
From our text, what do we learn about God’s presence and our effectiveness in mission?
Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.
Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?
Let’s Pray Together
Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.
Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.
General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?
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