God’s people frequently find themselves in a hostile ‘foreign’ environment. The Bible has many examples.

In Ezekiel God refers to Himself as a little sanctuary (11.16), a presence wherever the people were scattered. This is important, as those people found themselves in unfriendly and hostile situations, such as Babylon and Susa. The books of Daniel and Esther illustrate this experience. And, of great interest and importance, they illustrate the impact of God’s people in those contexts, as Daniel and Esther, with Mordecai, significantly influenced the nations in which they founded themselves. God’s presence did more than sustain and uphold His people – they were enabled to make a real difference, influencing the culture for good.

This ‘little sanctuary’ experience is more than a comfort in hard moments, although it is that; it is the springboard to godly influence, to effective and powerful testimony in an ungodly environment.

Scripture indicates God is more manifest or more obvious at some times and in some places. He reveals more of His presence in some moments.

One Old Testament and one New Testament example:

1. Exodus 33.11 and 34.34-35, where God is so present to Moses.
2. 1 Cor 14.25; ‘God is really among you.’ Such is the testimony to outsiders and unbelievers. For example: in a Sunday morning Church meeting, or a prayer meeting; or praying around your meal table. We may be more aware of His presence; and this presence is powerful to those looking in.

Aside: can I suggest?  There are times when we are more aware of His presence – but never aware of His absence

The prophet Ezekiel describes the presence of God like a river; sometimes ankle deep; sometimes knee-deep; sometimes waist deep; and sometimes so deep he has to swim in it. The tangible presence of God seems to come with degrees, with the fragrance of Christ’s character; of life and joy and peace, etc.

Although God is always everywhere, scripture repeatedly refers to God’s localized presence; to specific individuals in specific times and places. For example, to Isaac (Gen 26.3), to Jacob (Gen 28.15), to Moses (Ex 3.5); and He appeared to Shadrach and Meshach and Abednego in the furnace (Dan 3.25).

This is always reassuring in a personal way. There is a call to fulfil, a task to perform, a challenge to face. And we need to know that God is with us. That presence brings wisdom and strength and the ability to persevere.

God is NOT otherwise absent, but He does seem to be more present to those people, at those times and in those places.

The apostle Paul states that the local Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3.16). This verse is sometimes referred to in relation to the individual Christian, but the context would not allow this. This is a special promise of God’s localized presence in the local Church in the NT era, in which we live. And, we should look for signs of His presence, in particular in lives transformed by God; conversions; healings; addictions broken; character moulded, etc.