Pursuing His Presence: The Life-Defining Mark of a Follower of Jesus

Written By View Church

Pastor Reed Sowell

What if the single greatest difference between a tired, hollow religion and a vibrant, transformative faith is not more effort, more knowledge, or more strategy—but more of God’s presence?

This article explores what it truly means to pursue God’s presence, drawing on powerful truths found in Scripture, real-life experiences, and timeless insights into how we can seek and experience the nearness of God in everyday life.
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What Set the Early Church Apart?

Acts 2:42–47 paints a stunning picture of the early church. This wasn’t a community of religious rituals or self-improvement. These were people marked by the presence of God.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer... And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:42–47 (NIV)

The believers were generous, devoted, filled with awe, and united. But the power behind all of that wasn’t just their character—it was God’s nearness. Community can be found in many places, but only God’s presence transforms.

More Than Church: Becoming a People of Presence

A church service is powerful—but it was never meant to be the only place we encounter God. Sundays are a starting point, not the finish line. The real calling? To take that same presence into every room we walk into throughout the week.

This presence isn’t manufactured. It’s not emotional hype or well-timed music cues. It’s the living Spirit of God, showing up when people seek Him in spirit and truth.

“We can have everything. But if we don’t have His presence, we have nothing. And we can have nothing—but if we have His presence, we have everything.”

What Does God’s Presence Feel Like?

If you’re wondering what being near to God actually feels like, you’re not alone. In Scripture and life, God’s presence doesn’t always come with flashing lights. Often, it’s subtle but unmistakable.

  • It feels like supernatural peace in the middle of chaos.

  • It’s deep joy that doesn’t make logical sense.

  • It’s clarity when everything else feels confusing.

  • It’s love that cuts through shame and fear.

“In your presence there is fullness of joy.” — Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

You don’t need more stuff, more success, or more validation. You need more of God.

Three Commitments That Unlock His Presence

The idea of pursuing God might sound vague, but Scripture gives us practical insight. Pursuing His presence isn’t passive—it takes intention. There are three key commitments that invite His presence more fully into our lives:

1. Pursuing God Requires Wholehearted Commitment

Everything meaningful in life—relationships, growth, success—requires full engagement. Why would our relationship with God be any different?

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” — Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)

If you feel stuck spiritually, maybe you’ve been halfway in. God doesn’t respond to half-hearted devotion. He’s after all of us.

  • Stop making excuses for spiritual neglect.

  • Stop compartmentalizing your faith to Sundays.

  • Start living like Jesus is Lord of every part of your life.

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” — Psalm 16:8 (NIV)

Your attention determines your awareness. If your eyes are on your problems, you’ll feel overwhelmed. If your eyes are on Jesus, you’ll find stability—even in chaos.

2. Pursuing God Requires Prayer

Prayer is not a religious duty—it’s relational connection. God isn’t a concept to study, but a person to be with. And prayer is how we abide in Him.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” — Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)

He listens. Every whisper, every cry, every groan. He doesn’t need your perfect words—He wants your heart.

Prayer isn’t one-sided either. Theologian Andrew Murray said it best:

“Prayer is not a monologue, but dialogue. God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part.”

Prayer tunes our hearts to God’s voice. It shifts our perspective and prepares us for what God wants to do in and through us.

Even Jesus, fully God and fully man, withdrew to pray:

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16 (NIV)

If Jesus needed quiet space with the Father, so do we. Don’t wait for a crisis. Create space now.

3. Pursuing God Requires Subtraction

Sometimes the greatest spiritual growth doesn’t come from adding things—but subtracting them. What in your life is stealing space from God?

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” — Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

This might mean:

  • Turning off the noise (social media, Netflix, busy schedules).

  • Cutting out relationships or habits pulling you away from God.

  • Saying "no" more often so you can say "yes" to time with Him.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” — Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Busyness is a modern-day spiritual thief. We’ve filled our lives with so much that there’s no room left for God. But subtraction makes space for presence.

Ask yourself:

  • What do I need to eliminate to be fully available to God?

  • Is this helping me run my race well, or weighing me down?

  • Am I too busy to hear God’s voice?

The Presence of God Changes Everything

In pain, in fear, in doubt—His presence is still there. The more we become people who carry His presence daily, the more joy and freedom we walk in.

This is not about striving, performing, or pretending. It’s about being with God. Choosing to pursue Him—on good days and bad ones.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” — Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

When His presence defines you, you live differently. You speak differently. You react differently. And the people around you take notice.

So what now?

Start small.
Pray when you wake up.
Open your heart, not just your Bible.
Clear your schedule.
Turn down the volume on distractions.
Go all in.

Call to Action

  • Spend 5 minutes today in silence—no music, no phone. Just sit and listen.

  • Identify one thing you need to subtract from your life this week to make room for God.

  • Ask God to make you more aware of His presence throughout the day.

  • Pray Jeremiah 29:13 out loud:
    “God, I want to seek You with my whole heart. Help me find You.”

  • Share what you’re learning with a friend or family member—don’t keep it to yourself.

Further Reading

Other Links

View Church https://viewchurch.co
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The Way of Forgiveness: Learning to Live Free