If you’ve ever spent time around charismatic believers, you’ve probably heard the phrase “entering the presence of God.” It’s usually tied to worship music, prayer gatherings, and those deeply emotional moments when people feel connected to God. But is that how the Bible describes God’s presence?
In the Old testament
In the Old Testament, entering God’s presence was a huge deal. God dwelt in the Tabernacle, and only priests—after ritual cleansing and bringing sacrifices—could enter the Holy of Holies, and that was just once a year (Hebrews 9:7). Ordinary Israelites could only watch from the courtyard. God’s presence was literally restricted and highly sacred.
New Testament- It is permanent!
But here’s the amazing news of the New Testament: Everything changed because of Jesus. When we accepted Christ, we became united with Him through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17). Instead of occasionally visiting God’s presence, we now carry His presence within us permanently. We don’t need to beg God to show up or pray hard enough to feel Him. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us clearly: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Why confidence? Because He’s already in us, and we’re already in Him (John 15:4, Colossians 1:27).
Yet many Christians still chase experiences to feel God’s presence. Worship music, dimmed lights, a powerful keyboard melody—these things can help us become aware of what’s already true: God never left. It’s not the music or the worship band that brings God’s presence. It’s our awareness that shifts. Why else would you feel God’s presence more strongly when the bassist hits that deep note or lose it completely when someone goes off-key? God’s presence isn’t fragile, dependent on the perfect environment or atmosphere.
You are carrying it!
So let’s change the way we speak and think about this. Instead of saying, “I’m entering the presence of God,” recognize that you are already carrying His presence. You have become the temple—the living Tabernacle—of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). You don’t need to perform or worry about losing His presence when things go wrong. As Paul beautifully put it, “We have this treasure in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7). His presence in us is secure, permanent, and powerful. Walk in it confidently!
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