DAY 2 / A RELATIONAL GOD

Yesterday we talked about what drives our desire to pursue God’s presence. Today we are going to wrestle with another question – Does God really desire my presence? Bill Elliff says in his book The Presence-Centered Life, “God’s presence is what we most need, and our presence is what He most desires.” The idea that God would desire our presence feels ludicrous, but the truth is this – our God is relational, and He desires a relationship with us.

All of Scripture reveals how the Lord passionately pursues His people – even when they do not passionately pursue Him.

Dr. Scott Duvall and Dr. Danny Hayes wrote in their book God’s Relational Presence:

Our basic thesis is that the Triune God desires to have a personal, encountering relationship with His people and enters into His creation in order to facilitate that relationship. Thus, the Bible begins with God’s presence relating to His people in the garden (Genesis) and ends with God’s presence relating to His people in the garden (Revelation).

“God desires to have a personal, encountering relationship with His people…” Do you believe this? Are you struggling to believe that the God of the universe would even entertain the idea of having you in His presence – let alone long for it?

PRAY

Take time today and visit these gardens. Read Genesis 1:27-29 and Revelation 21:3-4. Ask the Lord to reveal the ways His pursuing presence has come after you. Take note of them and allow them to draw you into worship and gratitude.