The Bible presents four benefits of seeking God's presence. I want to mention them for you today, because sometimes we end up seeking God's presents more so than His presence.

Besides, at the end of the day, which one do you think is more important to obtain?

1. Joy
   The first benefit is joy. In Psalm 16:11 (NIV), the psalmist says of the Lord, You have made known to me that path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
   
   We cannot help but experience great joy in our lives when we are in the presence of the Lord.
2. Light
   A second benefit of seeking God's presence is that it provides great light. In Psalm 89:15 (NIV) we read, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord."
   
   You see, wherever God is, there is great illumination. If there is a dark area in your life, an area in which you are having difficulty seeing, invite the presence of the Lord into that area.
   
   If you are having problems with your work, invite the presence of God on the job with you. If you are having difficulty at home, invite the presence of the Lord into your home. The mere presence of God will bring illumination and cause all darkness to leave. It will shed great light on your path.
3. Protection
   A third benefit of seeking His presence is God's divine protection. Psalm 31:20 (NIV) says, "In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from the strife of tongues."
   
   Thank God for His divine protection and shelter in our lives. Everyone needs a hiding place, a place of safety and refuge. The presence of God provides a shelter to keep us from men and their vain words against us.
   
   If you're troubled by other people and by what they are saying, invite God's presence into those circumstances. If you work in a negative atmosphere, one in which what men are saying or doing is creating problems for you, invite the presence of God into that situation. He will be a shelter, a hiding place for you.
4. Peace & Rest
   The fourth benefit of seeking God's presence is found in 1 John 3:19 (NIV): This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence. There is great peace and great rest in the presence of God. Trouble, nervousness, anxiety, unrest, all these flee from the presence of the Lord.

Invite God's presence wherever you are. He will encamp around about you every minute and be with you in every situation of life. In His presence you will find great joy and light, divine protection, peace, and rest.

A Final Word
Be the whole person God called you to be. Don't settle for anything less. Don't look back. Look forward and decide today to take steps toward His plan for your life.

And remember First Thessalonians 5:24: "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."

Source: An Enemy Called Average by John L. Mason
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing Group