How to Experience the Presence of God

I have discovered that doing laundry can be a powerful opportunity to meet with God. He is with us in the washing, and present in the piles. The other day as I put in load of whites, I thought of the amazing description of Jesus’ clothing in the Gospel of Mark–a description that involves bleach.

Imagine yourself as one of the privileged disciples–Peter, James or John. They were chosen by Jesus to accompany him on a high mountain, and they would never forget the incredible sight they encountered. Jesus gave these disciples a glimpse into the fullness of his glory and splendor. Suddenly, before their eyes, Jesus no longer looked like an ordinary man.

He was changed.

Transfigured. Transformed.

His splendor shone on his face and permeated through his clothing. There was no doubt in the disciples’ minds that they stood before God Almighty, who is clothed in splendor and majesty (Psalm 104:1)

Experiencing the Presence of God through the Splendor of Christ

Mark’s description of Jesus’ transfiguration is one of my favorites:

His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.
Mark 9:3

Not even all the bleach in the world could come close to the brilliance of His garments! The Gospels of Matthew and Luke also reveal Christ’s magnificent splendor. Notice the vivid illustration of Jesus’ clothing.

There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:2

As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
Luke 9:29

Can you imagine this amazing sight? Peter, James, and John had a front row seat to the powerful display of Christ’s incredible and grandeur. As Jesus stood transfigured before them, the great prophets Elijah and Moses appeared, talking with Jesus (Mark 9:4).

Peter, flabbergasted in fluttered speech, suggested that they set up shelters for each of them–but he had no idea what he was talking about (vs. 5-6). Sometimes the sheer splendor of Christ ought to render us speechless before a holy God.

A cloud surrounded them, and they heard the voice of God the Father speaks in verse 7:

“This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

Matthew recounts that the disciples fell face down when they heard this; completely overwhelmed and trembling with fear. But Jesus touched them. “Get up,” he told them “Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 17:6)

Do you see the beautiful tenderness Jesus showed to his beloved friends? God Almighty, clothed in power, might and majesty, stooped down to touch them.

The presence of God is as fierce as a flash of lightning, and as gentle as a tender touch. As quickly as the disciples were ushered into such a spectacular glimpse of heaven, with the blink of an eye, the prophets were gone. As they descended the mountain, Jesus told his dear friends not to tell anyone what they had just witnessed, until after he rose from the dead.

The three of them must have looked at one another in bewilderment at what “rising from the dead” meant. Jesus, the Light of the world, displayed his splendor and grandeur that night on the mountaintop. He gave his followers a foretaste of his majesty—a sight that all who believe in him will experience on that glorious day.

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. Psalm 4:6

Transformed through the Presence of God

Not only will we see Jesus face to face in the fullness of his glory, but we will be changed like him. Paul in 1 Corinthians explains that all who belong to Christ will one day be raised with him. We will be raised not in our fading earthly bodies, but in glorious imperishable vessels:

Listen, let me tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53

Like Jesus was changed on the mountain, we too will be changed– transformed and clothed in glorious, imperishable bodies that will live forever with him!

The splendor of Jesus’ transfiguration reminds us of a greater glory that is to come.

Until that day, let us stand in awe at the amazing splendor and glory of our great God. As you do your laundry and perform your tasks for the day, remember that the presence of Christ is with you. In the mundane moments, and on the mountaintop.

The daily duties of life can become regular meeting places for divine encounters with the Living God.

We are clothed with his splendor and power, and are called to display the brilliance of His love to those around us–that the world may see a glimpse of His magnificent glory!

Free Scripture Reading Plan and Devotional

Here is a Scripture Reading Plan that you can download with 28 encouraging Scriptures that express the splendor and greatness of God’s presence.

You can download the Scripture Reading Plan by clicking HERE.

You can also download a free Garments of Splendor Devotional and Prayer journal by clicking HERE!

Want some Bible Journaling Stickers to go with this Devotional and Prayer journal? Download a page of FREE Bible journaling stickers to accompany the devotional pages!

Download the FREE Bible journaling stickers HERE.

Looking for more ways to experience the powerful presence of God? Sign up for the BOLD Prayers of Jesus Challenge! In this 5-day email challenge you will receive a free prayer guide, free prayer journal, Scripture cards, prayer prompts, and more!

Join the prayer challenge by clicking HERE.