EVERY GOOD, PERFECT AND DURABLE BLESSINGS COME FROM GOD'S PRESENCE

God's presence refers to the manifestation of God's being, power, and love in a person's life, location, or situation. It's the experience of being in the company of the Almighty, where one can feel His love that is warmth, care, and affection; peace that is calmness, tranquility, and serenity; joy that is happiness, gladness, and delight; power that is strength, might, and authority; and guidance that is wisdom, direction, and counsel are all found in the place of God’s presence.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

Biblical descriptions of God's presence include His Shekinah glory that is the visible manifestation of God's presence, often described as a cloud or fire (Exodus 13:21-22, Ezekiel 1:4). The Holy Spirit which is the presence of God that dwells within believers, guiding, comforting, and empowering them (John 14:16-17, Romans 8:9-11); and the Angel of the Lord who is a manifestation of God's presence, often appearing as a messenger or agent of God's will (Genesis 16:7-13, Exodus 3:2-4).

We can experience God's presence as we prayer by communicating with God, listening to His voice, and feeling His presence; as we worship by singing, praising, and honoring God, which can bring a sense of His presence; by reading and meditating on God's Word, which can reveal His presence and character; and when we gather with fellow believers, in a Church service or fellowship, and we sense God's presence among us.

Remember, God's presence is not limited to these experiences. He is always present, even when we don't feel it.

“And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian” Gen. 39:2 

“But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” Gen. 39:21 

Joseph at that time was a slave in the house of Potiphar, yet the hand of God was favorably upon him and all he laid his land to do was blessed and he became prosperous despite being a slave.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

This scripture in conjunction with Psalm 16:11 highlight the relationship between experiencing joy in God's presence and receiving good and perfect gifts from Him.

Joy is a profound and multifaceted emotion that encompasses happiness, delight and gladness. It is also a fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22] and characteristic of a believer’s life. Psalm 16:11 emphasizes that fullness of joy is found in God's presence. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but on being in a loving relationship with God. James 1:17 stated that every good and perfect gift comes from God, the Father. This verse acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all blessings and goodness in our lives.

Both verses imply that being in God's presence and experiencing His joy are closely tied to receiving His good and perfect gifts. When we draw near to God, He will draw near to us, and we can expect to receive blessings and provisions that bring joy and fulfillment.

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that ask receives; and he that seek finds; and to him that knock it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matt. 7:7-11 

We have an assurance of receiving from the Throne Room of Grace when we ask, seek or knock; this process is accentuated when we perpetually dwell in God’s Presence or in the secret place of the Most-High.

That is why we must prioritize spending time with God, cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with Him. When seeking God's gifts and blessings, ask in faith, trusting in His goodness and provision. We must acknowledge and thank God for the good gifts and blessings He brings into our lives; and as we experience joy and receive good gifts from God, we must share them with others, spreading His love and kindness.

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Dwelling in God's presence and abiding in the secret place of the Most-High is a biblical concept that offers profound spiritual and physical benefits or blessings. We are anointed to win, empowered to overcome and impossible to curse when we dwell in the secret place of the Most-High. [Psalm 91:1]. This Psalm 91 declared that we will enjoy the blessings o the Lord in the form o land, security, prosperity, long lie and good health.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." John 15:4-5

Fruit bearing and blessings are tied to dwelling in the Presence of God.

“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing” Psa. 92:13-14 

Characteristics of dwelling in God's Presence include a deep, personal relationship or intimacy with God, characterized by trust, love, and communication. A sense of calm, peace, security, and tranquility that comes from being in God's presence. Experiencing the fullness of joy that comes from being in God's presence (Psalm 16:11). Such receives direction, wisdom, and discernment from God as you dwell in His presence.

Those who dwell in the secret place must prioritize prayer and worship by regularly spend time with God, engaging in prayer, worship, and Bible study. They must seek solitude and quiet time by creating space for quiet reflection, meditation, and listening to God's voice. Such must focus on thanking God for His presence, blessings, and goodness in their life; study, memorize, and apply Scripture to their life, allowing God's Word to dwell in them richly and surround themselves with faith-filled community by gathering with believers who encourage and support their spiritual growth.

BLESSINGS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

“The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he add no sorrow with it” Prov. 10:22 KV

“The blessing of the LORD establishes wealth, and difficulty does not accompany it” Prov. 10:22 ISV

A blessing is a divine favor, benefit, or gift bestowed upon an individual, group, or situation by God. It is an expression of God’s love, care, and generosity, often bringing joy, prosperity or well-being. From time immemorial, God wanted to bless His children as we see in the example of how He told Aaron to bless the Israelites. He declared His inherent goodness through blessings.

“And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them” Num. 6:22-26

God’s blessing produces promotion, fruitfulness, triumph over enemies, holiness and abundant prosperity. God’s blessings are the good things that He does for us, and such can be spiritual or physical in nature. Blessings in the presence of God are abundant and multifaceted and it is anything that makes us fully satisfied in Him. It is anything God gives that makes us fully satisfied in Him and an extension of His grace. It takes what is natural and turn it into supernatural, turns normal beyond normality.

“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” Gen. 12:2

God fulfilled His promise to Abraham and will also fulfill His promise to us. There are spiritual, physical and material, emotional and mental and relational blessings. Let us look at them one by one.

Spiritual Blessings

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” Eph. 1:3 

Spiritual blessings are "every blessing of the Holy Spirit". These are all the fulness of grace in Christ; all the blessings and sure mercies of the everlasting covenant; all things pertaining to life and godliness [2 Peter 1:3], such as justification, peace, pardon, adoption, sanctification, and eternal life.

1. Intimacy with God: Drawing near to God and experiencing a deep sense of connection and intimacy (Psalm 16:11). We must be dwellers in the Presence of God to enjoy this!

2. Peace and joy: Receiving peace that surpasses understanding and joy that is inexpressible (Philippians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:8-9). Where Christ dwells is where peace resides because He is the Prince of Peace! Chrit goes before us and bring rest and peace in our lives.

3. Spiritual growth: Experiencing spiritual growth, maturity, and transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:2).

Emotional and Mental Blessings

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” 3 John 2

God want to sanctify us wholly and preserve our spirit, soul and body blameless [1 Thess. 5:23], and it will take the blessings of the Lord to preserve our soul that is mind, intellect and emotions. Our mind is renewed, our intellect upgraded and our emotions stabilized by the blessings of the Lord.

1. Comfort and solace: Finding comfort, solace, and strength in times of sorrow, pain, or uncertainty (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

2. Healing and restoration: Experiencing emotional and mental healing, restoration, and renewal (Psalm 23:3-4, Isaiah 61:1-3).

3. Clarity and direction: Receiving clarity, direction, and guidance for life's decisions and challenges (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Physical and material blessings

Physical and material blessings refer to the tangible and physical provisions that God grants to His people. It includes needed finances, any material answer to prayers, shelter, clothing, food, potable water, reliable transportation, and even the right spouse or mate.

1. Provision and supply: Experiencing God's provision and supply for physical needs, such as food, shelter, and health (Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:19).

2. Protection and safety: Enjoying God's protection and safety from harm, danger, and evil (Psalm 91:1-16, 2 Thessalonians 3:3).

3. Abundance and prosperity: Receiving abundance and prosperity, not just financially, but also in relationships, health, and overall well-being (John 10:10, 3 John 1:2).

4. Favor. It is an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual. God’s blessing is a public declaration of a favored status with God. It is approval or preference beyond the norm. [Psalm 84:11, Psa. 102:13] A classic example is “And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians” [Exodus 12:36]

Relational Blessings

Relational blessing is what God uses to bless and encourage relationships between people. It is a way of expressing love and appreciation for someone, and it can be used to strengthen relationships between brethren in Christian community, family members, spouses, friends, and even strangers.

1. Fellowship and community: Experiencing meaningful fellowship and community with other believers (Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24-25).

2. Love and acceptance: Receiving unconditional love and acceptance from God and others (Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 1:3-6; Romans 5:5).

3. Unity and harmony: Enjoying unity and harmony in relationships, even in the midst of diversity and differences (Psalm 133:1, Ephesians 4:1-6).

These blessings are not exhaustive, but they give us a glimpse into the richness and depth of blessings that can be experienced in the presence of God.

Characteristics of blessings from God's Presence is that it is good; these are blessings that are morally excellent, beneficial, and profitable. Such are perfect that is they are blessings that are complete, flawless, and lacking nothing and durable, that is blessings that are lasting, enduring, and eternal.

Those who will access such blessings, must prioritize spending time with God, cultivating a deep and intimate relationship; ask in faith by requesting such blessings and gifts from God, trusting in His goodness and provision; recognize that God's blessings are part of His sovereign plan, and trust in His wisdom and timing and always express gratitude and praise to God for the blessings you receive from His presence.

In closing there are seven supernatural blessings that God wants to release to those who honor Him

Read: Joel 2:23-32

1. Double Portion Joel 2:23

2. Financial abundance Joel 2:24

3. Restoration Joel 2:25

4. Miracles Joel:26

5. God’s Divine Presence Joel 2:27

6. Blessings upon your family Joel 2:28

7. Deliverance Joel 2:32