The Presence of the Lord | Jentezen Franklin
Experiencing the Transformative Presence of the Lord: What It Means for Your Life
The presence of God is more than just a comforting feeling in the pit of our souls; it’s the very center of the Christian walk, fueling our faith, exposing our shortcomings, strengthening our weaknesses, and ushering us into the fullness of who God created us to be. Many believers talk about desiring a powerful, tangible move of God’s presence, but few realize just how life-altering this encounter can be. Today, let’s explore what the presence of the Lord really means, why it is indispensable for every Christian, and how to pursue, welcome, and host it in your church, your home, and your heart.
The Mystery of the Cross: When Jesus Felt Forsaken
Mark’s gospel gives us a profound snapshot of Jesus in his most vulnerable moment, hanging on the cross, crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In that excruciating hour, Christ endured an unspeakable depth of abandonment as all the sin of humanity was placed upon Him. The presence of the Father and the Holy Spirit withdrew for the first and only time in eternity, leaving Jesus utterly alone so He could bear the weight of our sins.
The power of that moment is hard for us to truly grasp. Jesus, who had never sinned, became sin for us. The holy Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—could not look upon sin, so the presence that had always been with Him was lifted. This crucible of separation is the price paid so that we never have to be separated from God again. When the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom, God was sending a message from heaven: the way to His presence is now open to all who believe.
The Power of God’s Word and Presence Working Together
One profound reality is this: as long as Jesus was speaking the words of God, and as long as God’s presence remained on Him, death had no power. God’s words are spirit and life, keeping darkness at bay. The same is true for believers—when we continually confess God’s Word in our lives and nurture a lifestyle of hosting His presence, spiritual life is sustained and strengthened. Church communities thrive not just by preaching the Word but by cultivating a tangible sense of God’s nearness in worship, prayer, and unity.
Reading scripture and reciting biblical truths are foundations, but when His presence moves through the Word—when worship couples with anointing and hearts align with heaven—true transformation happens. The difference between a dry, routine faith and a vibrant, living relationship with Jesus is the presence of the Holy Spirit breathing life through every scripture, every song, and every prayer.
The Presence Preserves and Exposes
The presence of God does more than keep our spirits alive; it reveals what’s hidden in our hearts. Just as Adam hid from God’s presence after he sinned in Eden, so too are we prone to withdrawing when faced with conviction. Yet, it’s in these moments—when the Holy Spirit lovingly exposes areas needing repentance—that we find the freedom and restoration we long for.
Church is not merely about excitement or emotional highs—it is about coming face to face with God in such a way that the layers of sin, shame, and strongholds are pulled back. When we step into His presence, sometimes we are blessed and encouraged; other times, the truth stings as the Spirit exposes what needs to change. This is the beauty of an authentic relationship with our Creator.
Alignment with Heaven in Worship
The book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of heavenly worship—angels, elders, and believers from every nation crying out around the throne. When we gather and worship in spirit and truth, our praises rise like incense. We’re not just singing songs; we are joining the eternal chorus and aligning with what is happening in heaven.
This kind of alignment draws down God’s glory. The more sincere worship that ascends, the more His tangible presence descends. It changes the atmosphere, causes hearts to surrender, and creates what some call a “throne zone”—a place where God’s kingship and power are made manifest among His people.
Hosting the Holy Spirit: Welcoming His Presence Daily
God’s presence is not restricted to church services or altar calls; it is meant to fill every part of our lives. Hosting the Holy Spirit means making Him feel welcome in our homes, our families, our workplaces, and every private moment. Like a gracious host or hostess, we intentionally create space for Him, inviting Him to move, to speak, to cleanse, and to heal.
There is a humility and reverence needed to sustain God’s presence. The Holy Spirit—often depicted as a dove—is gentle and easily grieved. He searches for places and people who value holiness, hunger for righteousness, and yearn for more intimacy with God. We keep His presence by living with clean hands and a pure heart, being quick to repent and willing to surrender anything that would quench the Spirit.
The Power and Transferability of the Presence
A powerful truth in scripture is that God’s presence is contagious—it overflows from those who have encountered Him. The woman with the issue of blood didn’t touch Jesus directly; she touched the hem of His garment, something that had been in contact with Him, and was instantly healed. In the same way, when we are filled with His presence, others are impacted just by coming into contact with us.
This is why it’s so important to “stay plugged in”—to remain charged by regular encounters with God, rather than simply seeking a fleeting emotional high. Being charged with His presence means carrying the fullness of His Spirit into every area of life, making Him known everywhere we go and to everyone we meet.
