The Good and Beautiful God: A Guide to Experiencing His Presence

Rethinking How We See God

Most of us carry around some pretty inaccurate views of God, often without realizing it. These ideas come from how we were raised, what we were taught, or our personal experiences. They might paint God as angry, distant, or impossible to please. And that mindset affects everything—from how we pray to how we live.

• False narratives: These are mistaken beliefs about who God is, like thinking He only loves us when we’re doing everything right.
• What Jesus shows us: The best way to understand God’s character is to look at Jesus. Through His actions—loving outcasts, forgiving sinners, and showing compassion—Jesus reveals a God who is deeply good and completely present.
• Why it matters: When we change how we see God, our relationship with Him transforms. We stop performing and start trusting.

Why Soul Training Matters

Spiritual growth isn’t just about knowing Scripture or showing up on Sundays. It’s about developing daily habits that bring us closer to God and realign our thoughts with the truth.

• What soul training means: It’s a set of practices—like journaling, silence, and Sabbath—that help us notice God’s presence.
• What it looks like: You might take five minutes of silence in the morning, write down thoughts that come up during prayer, or carve out a rest day every week.
• What it does: These routines give God space to shape our thoughts and build deeper awareness in our daily routines.

Finding God in the Ordinary

We often expect to find God in big spiritual experiences, but He’s just as present in the everyday moments we overlook. You don’t need a retreat or mountaintop moment to connect with Him.

• Ordinary moments matter: Washing dishes, walking the dog, or waiting at a red light can all become sacred when we tune in.
• What to look for: That moment of quiet in the morning, a conversation that lifts your spirit, or a sunset that makes you pause—all are reminders that God is near.
• How to respond: Simply acknowledging God’s presence in those small spaces can make your entire day feel different.

Letting Go of the Lies

Many of us believe lies about ourselves and God without realizing it. These beliefs hold us back, weigh us down, and make us question our worth.

• Common lies: “God only loves me when I’m good,” or “I’ll never be enough.”
• Replacing them: We need to learn new, true stories—what Smith calls “Jesus narratives”—that speak life and peace.
• Living the truth: Instead of fear-based thinking, we begin to move through life knowing we are fully loved, fully accepted, and always invited closer to God.

Living in God’s Kingdom Here and Now

The Kingdom of God isn’t some far-off place you visit after death—it’s a reality you can live in every day. That means we’re not just waiting for heaven; we’re invited to live with God’s values right now.

• What the Kingdom looks like: It’s choosing love over hate, peace over chaos, generosity over greed. It’s real-life choices that reflect God’s heart.
• How we enter it: We begin by trusting that God is at work in our lives already. Living in His Kingdom means walking in step with His ways, right here and now.
• Why it changes us: Instead of reacting to life, we start responding with the mindset that God is present and guiding us.

Easy Ways to Experience God Every Day

You don’t need to change your entire life to become more aware of God. Start with small steps that create space in your day for reflection, gratitude, and silence.

• Start with silence: Take two minutes of quiet before your day begins.
• Offer your day to God: A short prayer like, “God, use my thoughts, words, and choices today” goes a long way.
• Read slowly: Don’t rush through Scripture. One meaningful verse can be more impactful than a whole chapter read quickly.
• End with reflection: Ask yourself, “Where did I see God today? Where did I miss Him?”
• Notice beauty: Whether it’s nature, kindness, or a small success, gratitude helps us recognize God’s presence.

Why Community Helps Us Grow

Trying to grow in your faith alone can leave you feeling isolated or stuck. But when we open up to others, we grow faster and deeper.

• What community offers: Encouragement, accountability, and a chance to share your journey.
• Where to start: Join a small group, talk to a trusted friend about your spiritual life, or find a mentor.
• What it leads to: A deeper sense of belonging, support during hard times, and new insights into how God is working in your life and the lives of others.

It’s About Relationship, Not Rules

It’s easy to feel like God wants more from us—more praying, more doing, more reading. But really, He just wants us close.

• God values presence: He doesn’t want performance; He wants connection.
• Sabbath as trust: Taking a day to rest isn’t laziness—it’s a bold act of trusting that our value isn’t in what we produce.
• Being vs. doing: Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is simply sit still and know that God is already with you.

Conclusion

Everything we’ve unpacked—from changing how we see God to building community—is about one thing: drawing closer to a God who’s good, beautiful, and always near. When we stop trying to earn His approval and start noticing His presence, life begins to shift. We stop striving and start enjoying the relationship we were always meant to have.

Key takeaway: Experiencing God’s presence begins by believing He’s not distant or disappointed, but present, loving, and delighted to be with us in both quiet and chaos.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a false narrative about God?

False narratives are beliefs that don’t align with who God truly is. They usually make us feel unworthy or afraid and block us from trusting His love.

Do I need to follow all the soul training practices to grow spiritually?

Not at all. Start with what feels manageable and meaningful to you. The goal is to create space for God, not to tick off tasks.

Can I still experience God’s presence if I’m struggling with doubt?

Yes. Doubt doesn’t disqualify you from experiencing God. Honest conversations and prayer in the middle of doubt often lead to deeper faith.

What’s the difference between God’s Kingdom and heaven?

Heaven is eternity with God after this life. The Kingdom of God is His presence, peace, and values that we can live in right now.

How do I build spiritual community if I feel disconnected from church?

Look for connection in simple places. Invite one person into a spiritual conversation, join an online group, or explore new communities. Start small and stay open.