“If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our home with him.” – John 14:23
Think about the last time you FaceTimed with someone you love who lives far away. You can see them, hear them laugh, share important moments—but there’s still something different about being in the same room, isn’t there? The Bible reveals a similar but even more amazing reality: God is with us now through His Spirit—like a divine connection we can experience daily—while we also look forward to being fully “in the room” with Him someday. This “God with us, and us with God” relationship transforms our daily lives in practical, meaningful ways.
Divine Guidance Today (Acts 16:9-15)
Remember when you felt oddly compelled to call someone, only to discover they really needed to hear from you? That’s similar to Paul’s nighttime vision about Macedonia. God guides us in everyday moments—through a friend’s advice, a timely podcast, or even that persistent thought that won’t go away. When Lydia met Paul, the Bible simply says “the Lord opened her heart.” God works like that today too. He prepares people to cross our paths at just the right time. When we follow these nudges like Paul did, we’re experiencing both sides of the relationship—God with us (providing direction) and us with God (following where He leads).
Present Blessing, Future Harvest (Psalm 67)
“God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us.” Picture sunshine warming your face on a cold day—that’s what God’s presence feels like. This psalm shows a simple pattern: God blesses us, we respond with thanks, and somehow that spreads His goodness further. It’s like when you’re genuinely happy and it rubs off on everyone around you. God’s blessing in your life—maybe through a supportive friend, an unexpected solution, or inner peace during stress—creates ripples that eventually reach “the ends of the earth.” Every time you recognize a blessing and respond with gratitude, you’re living out “God with us, and us with God.”
The City That Awaits (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5)
Imagine the best family reunion ever, but it never ends. That’s what John’s vision shows us—a place where we’ll finally be completely at home with God. No more barriers, no more distance. The light there doesn’t come from bulbs or even the sun—it comes from God Himself. Right now, our connection with God can feel like talking through a spotty phone connection, with moments of clarity mixed with static. But this vision promises a day when we’ll see Him face-to-face. When you experience moments of peace during worship or sudden clarity in prayer, you’re getting tiny previews of this future togetherness.
The Advocate’s Promise (John 14:23-29)
Jesus made an amazing promise: even when He was no longer physically present, we wouldn’t be left alone. He sends the Holy Spirit—our Advocate—who stands with us and for us. Think of someone who’s been in your corner during tough times—the Spirit’s support goes even deeper. Jesus describes a beautiful back-and-forth relationship: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” In simple terms: we show love through listening, and God responds by making His home in our lives. This is where real peace comes from—not from perfect circumstances, but from this genuine connection.
Conclusion
Life changes when we grasp this simple truth: God is with us now, and we’re learning to be more fully with Him. This isn’t just church talk—it transforms ordinary Tuesday afternoons and difficult Monday mornings. When the car breaks down, when the test results come back, when the promotion comes through—God is present in all of it. And we’re growing in our ability to recognize and respond to that presence. Some days we feel it strongly; other days we mostly take it on faith. But this “God with us, and us with God” relationship is both our current reality and our future hope—like a friendship that’s already good but constantly growing deeper.
Points to Ponder
- When was the last time you felt God’s guidance in an everyday situation?
- What simple practice could help you notice God’s presence more today?
- How might your family or workplace change if you lived more aware of “God with us”?
- Think of someone who stands up for you when things get tough. How does that help you understand the Holy Spirit as your “Advocate”?
- What current challenge feels different when you view it through the lens of God’s presence?
Prayer
God, thank you for being with us—not just in church, but in traffic jams, grocery lines, and work meetings. Thank you for your Spirit who guides and stands by us daily. Help us notice the small ways you show up in our lives—through a timely conversation, a moment of beauty, or unexpected peace when we’re stressed. When life gets noisy and distracting, gently remind us of your presence. Show us how to be more fully “with you” through simple attention and love. May our awareness of you change how we treat family members, coworkers, and even strangers today. Until we see you face-to-face, help us walk in the light of your presence—both for our own peace and so others might discover you too. Amen.
“And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” – Revelation 22:4-5
Josh Cehulik 