How to Stop Taking His Presence for Granted
The greatest tragedy isn’t God’s absence — it’s our neglect of His nearness.
*image by Chris Harison
The Kingdom arc in one sentence:
“The looking down became the seeing now, turned into the dwelling now, and will one day become seeing how it was always supposed to be.”
This one sentence captures the entire biblical story — from creation to restoration, from Genesis to Revelation, from a God above us, to a God within us, to a God we will one day see face to face — and it challenges us not to take Him for granted.
The Gospel Arc in Four Movements:
1️⃣ Looking Down
“God looks down from heaven on all mankind…” (Psalm 53:2)
In the beginning, God created a world of beauty and order, untarnished relationships. But when we chose a self-centered relationship, that choice fractured it. Though we ran, God looked down, not in indifference but in pursuit.
He unconditionally entered a covenant. He called Abraham. He rescued Israel.
And, the hearts that longed for Him were seen by Him.
2️⃣ Seeing Now
“You are the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)
“When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion…” (Matthew 9:36)
Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. In Christ, God's seeing became personal. He didn’t just look from heaven, He walked among us — touching lepers, noticing outcasts, calling names from trees.
He saw us at our worst — and still chose the cross.
3️⃣ Dwelling Now
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
At Pentecost, the story multiplied. What once was rare — God's presence — became resident in many.
Now He doesn’t just visit or pass by.
He dwells. In sons. In daughters. In the broken and bold.
You carry the glory they used to tremble before.
4️⃣ Seeing How It Was Supposed to Be
“Now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face…” (1 Corinthians 13:12)
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:4)
Somehow, I can write these words; it gets better. One day, you’ll see no more curse, no more fractured relationships.
The presence you feel now in part, you’ll behold in full.
What was broken will be whole.
What was cloudy will be clear.
And you’ll finally say:
“This… this is how it was always supposed to be.”
So, with this understanding, what should we do?
Never Finished Challenge: Don’t Take His Presence for Granted
The more I read the gospel, the more I am confronted with the realization of grace. I didn’t deserve this eternal searching from God, yet He searched, found, and dwelt. And even more, one day, receive me.
I am challenged, then (and I hope you are as well), to not take it for granted. How can I not take this arc of hope for granted?
1. Word: Read + Remain
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” – Colossians 3:16
Read one chapter of Scripture daily. (Start in Genesis, John, or Psalms; or, whoever you feel the Holy Spirit leading you.)
After reading, pause. Don’t just consume — remain. Ask:
“God, what are You saying about who You are? What do You want to change in me?”
Practice: Read → Write one line → Repeat it throughout the day.
2. World: Observe + Respond
“The heavens declare the glory of God…” – Psalm 19:1
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me.” – Matthew 25:40
Look for God in creation. What does a tree, a sunrise, or a bird say about Him?
Look for God in others. Who can you serve or encourage as if Jesus stood in front of you?
Practice: Take a 5-minute walk or pause to notice something beautiful. Write or voice-note your observation:
“I saw God in ___ today.”
3. Worship: Sing + Serve
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Privately: Sing one song out loud to God today — even if you’re off-key.
Corporately or Vocationally: Worship with your work — do it with excellence, as unto the Lord.
As a family: Invite your spouse or kids into a short moment of worship or thanksgiving together.
Practice: Choose one daily act — singing, speaking life, serving well — and offer it to God like incense.
Final Challenge:
At the end of each day this week, pause and ask:
“If God was looking down on my day, would He find a heart that sought Him back?”
He’s not just watching anymore.
He’s walking with you.
So don’t live like He’s far away — respond because He’s near.
What does today say about God?
“Woe to me! I am ruined! For I have seen the King, the Lord Almighty…”
– Isaiah 6:5
If I truly grasped the weight
of His unconditional attributes —
I’d either implode in awe
or explode in worship.
Either way, I’d be undone.
Not by wrath,
but by wonder.
He sees me.
He knows me.
He dwells with me — permanently.
What a God.
What a King.
What a Savior.
What a Father.
Thank You, Jesus.