experience

And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. And we beheld His glory, glory as of an only begotten from the Father, full of grace and of truth (John 1:14 litv)."

We often wonder how we might experience the presence of God, so we look to various forms of Christian self-help philosophies, step by step spiritual instruction manuals or "inspiring" ancient mystical catholic practices, yet we fail to see that the true power of God's presence is ever before us - in the person and work of Jesus Christ, called the "Word."

We fail to remember that as God's glory resided in the wilderness tabernacle, Jesus dwells with us as the fulfillment of the ultimate Sanctuary (Heb. 8). We fail to remember that just as the Temple was the former dwelling place of God, the Spirit of Christ now dwells in man (Rom. 8:9). We fail to remember that by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have access to the glory of God and salvation in Christ by faith (Rom. 5:2).

So, what do we do with these truths? We look to the Word (that is Christ) found in the Word (that is Scripture) and we spend time in prayer and study so that we may know Him more deeply. Then, we put into practice what Jesus as asked of us:

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (John 14:15-17 esv)."