The Place Beside Him: Living in the Nearness of God

Family, welcome. We’re glad you’re here, because today’s word is one that can change how you see yourself, how you walk with God, and how you understand the place He’s prepared for you. When God speaks into your life, and His truth pierces your heart, you know you’ve heard something divine. And when that happens—when light turns on in your spirit—respond. Build an altar in your heart. Mark the moment.

In Exodus 33, Moses stood in the aftermath of Israel’s failure. Before they even received the Ten Commandments, they had already broken them, crafting a golden calf in the shadow of Mount Sinai. Yet, instead of abandoning them, God called Moses back up the mountain—three separate times—to meet with Him.

Moses asked for something bold: “Show me Your glory.” Not just blessings. Not just answers. He wanted God Himself. And God replied, “You cannot see My face and live—but there is a place beside Me.” He promised to cover Moses in the cleft of the rock as His glory passed by.

That “place beside Him” is not reserved for saints in stained glass. It’s for the flawed, the hot-tempered, the broken—people like us. God’s invitation isn’t about perfection; it’s about relationship. He doesn’t want to be far from you. In fact, He is closer than your breath. Out of your own spirit flows living water, because He abides in you. You don’t carry God—God carries you.

If you grasp how near He really is, it will change the way you live. Your enemies can’t touch you without touching Him. Your battles are His battles. And even when you’ve failed Him, He doesn’t step in and out of your life. He’s steady. He’s committed. He already knew your past, your present, and your future before He chose to dwell in you—and He stayed.

That moment in Exodus—the cleft of the rock—was more than a hiding place. It was a scar in the stone, a broken place where the broken man met the broken rock. Centuries later, at the cross, the true Rock—Jesus—was pierced in His side, creating the eternal “cleft” where we now abide. In Him we live, move, and have our being. His brokenness became our access. His wound became our shelter.

So, how do you grow aware of this closeness? Not by begging Him to come, but by tuning your heart to the God who is already here. Shift your focus. Set an atmosphere. Put away distractions. Worship until the noise inside you quiets. Create space for intimacy with Him, because intimacy with God fills the deepest void in the human soul. If you don’t find it in Him, you will search for it elsewhere.

There is a place beside Him. A place of mercy. A place of safety. A place where His goodness passes by and leaves you forever changed. You are already closer than you think—now live like it.