Desiring God's Presence: The Heart of Relationship

Jul 21, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence Is Essential for Our Journey

Moses refused to move forward into the promised land without the assurance of God’s personal presence, even when God promised to send an angel ahead to clear the way. This reveals a heart that values relationship with God above blessings or victories, understanding that true success and peace come only when God Himself is with us. Like Moses, we are invited to desire God’s presence more than any gift or opportunity, trusting that His nearness is what truly sets us apart and gives us rest, no matter what lies ahead. [42:32]

Exodus 33:12-16 (ESV)
Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to move ahead without waiting for God’s presence? How can you pause today and invite Him to go with you before you take the next step?

Day 2: Knowing God Brings Favor and Identity

Moses longed not just for God’s blessings, but to truly know God’s ways and character, recognizing that deeper relationship brings greater favor and a clearer sense of identity. The more we seek to know God—not just what He can do for us, but who He is—the more we understand who we are as His beloved children, equipped to step into the promises He has for us. Our favor and confidence flow from intimacy with God, not from external circumstances or achievements. [46:55]

Exodus 33:17 (ESV)
And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.”

Reflection: In what practical way can you seek to know God more deeply this week—beyond asking for His help or blessings—and how might that change your sense of identity and purpose?

Day 3: God Reveals His Glory Through His Goodness and Mercy

When Moses boldly asked to see God’s glory, God responded by promising to let all His goodness pass before Moses, shielding him in the cleft of the rock. This moment shows that God’s glory is most powerfully revealed in His goodness, mercy, and compassion, and that He lovingly protects us from what we cannot yet handle. God desires to reveal Himself to us, but always in a way that is for our good and according to our capacity to receive. [01:08:30]

Exodus 33:18-23 (ESV)
Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

Reflection: Where have you seen God’s goodness and mercy in your life recently, even if it wasn’t in the way you expected? How can you thank Him for the ways He lovingly reveals Himself to you?

Day 4: Jesus Is the Rock That Gives Us Access to God’s Glory

God’s act of placing Moses in the cleft of the rock is a foreshadowing of how, through Jesus, we are given access to God’s presence and glory. On our own, we cannot stand in the fullness of God’s holiness, but in Christ—the true Rock—we are shielded, loved, and welcomed into deeper relationship with God. It is only by remaining in Jesus that we can receive the dreams, promises, and understanding God wants to give us, and be sustained through every season. [01:12:21]

1 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)
And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.

Reflection: What does it mean for you today to “stand in the Rock” of Jesus? Is there a situation where you need to rely on Christ’s protection and access to God’s presence rather than your own strength?

Day 5: To Know God Is to Love Him and Walk in Confidence

As we grow in knowing God—not just as a provider or problem-solver, but as a friend and Father—we discover a love that casts out fear and gives us boldness to face any challenge. Our confidence is rooted in the reality that God knows our name, walks with us, and delights in revealing Himself to those who seek Him. When we understand who we are in Him, we can step into new opportunities, relationships, and challenges with assurance, knowing we are never alone. [01:19:13]

Romans 8:15-16 (ESV)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Reflection: Where do you need to replace fear with confidence in your identity as God’s beloved child? How can you remind yourself today that God knows your name and is with you?

Sermon Summary

In Exodus 33, Moses stands at a crossroads: God has promised him the land, cleared the way of enemies, and even offered to send an angel ahead. Yet Moses refuses to move forward unless God Himself goes with him. This is not a story about seeking blessings or favor alone, but about the deep longing to know God intimately. Moses, already called a friend of God, still pleads, “Let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully.” He recognizes that true favor is not found in gifts or victories, but in relationship with the Giver Himself.

This desire to know God more is not just for Moses, but for all who would walk into new seasons, opportunities, or challenges. The presence of God is what sets His people apart. It is not enough to have the promise; we must have the Promiser. Moses’ insistence is a model for us: “If you don’t go with me, I’m not going.” God responds not with frustration, but with love—He promises His presence and rest, even in the midst of battles.

Moses then asks for something even greater: “Show me your glory.” God, in His mercy, hides Moses in the cleft of the rock, allowing him to glimpse only the afterglow of His presence. This is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Rock in whom we are hidden, granting us access to God’s glory and presence. Our desire to know God more is met with His desire to reveal Himself, but always in a way that is for our good and within our capacity to receive.

Knowing God is not about status, performance, or outward appearance. It is about relationship—being known by name, as a child knows a parent. God delights when we seek Him not just for what He can do, but for who He is. As we grow in knowing Him, we discover our true identity, our purpose, and the courage to step into the unknown, confident that we are never alone. To know Him is to love Him, and to love Him is to be transformed by His presence.

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Presence Over Promises: Moses teaches that it is not enough to have God’s promises or even His angels; what truly matters is God’s personal presence. The distinguishing mark of God’s people is not what they possess, but who walks with them. We must be willing to say, “If You don’t go with me, I’m not going,” prioritizing relationship over reward. [43:32]
2. Intimacy Fuels Favor: Moses, though already called a friend of God, still longs to know God more deeply. He understands that favor is not a commodity to be claimed, but the fruit of intimacy. The more we seek to know God’s heart and ways, the more we experience the fullness of His favor—not as a transaction, but as a byproduct of relationship. [46:55]
3. Identity Through Relationship: Just as a child learns who they are by knowing their parents and grandparents, we discover our true identity by knowing God. Understanding God’s character and story helps us understand our own calling and equips us to step into our promises with confidence. Our sense of belonging and purpose is rooted in being known and loved by God. [51:18]
4. God’s Glory and Our Limits: Moses’ request to see God’s glory is met with both generosity and protection. God reveals as much of Himself as Moses can handle, hiding him in the rock—a picture of Christ. Our hunger for God is good, but He lovingly reveals Himself according to our capacity, always for our good and never to our harm. [71:23]
5. Boldness from Knowing God: When we truly know God and understand our place as His children, fear loses its grip. Whether facing new opportunities, challenges, or intimidating people, our confidence is rooted in our relationship with the King. The more we know Him, the more we are empowered to walk boldly into every place He sends us, unafraid and secure. [79:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:36] - Singing the Goodness of God
[36:50] - Opening Prayer and Heart Preparation
[38:13] - Setting the Scene: Moses and the Promised Land
[39:37] - God’s Call to Move Forward
[41:17] - Moses’ Conversation with God
[42:32] - The Necessity of God’s Presence
[44:47] - The Insufficiency of Angels Alone
[46:55] - The Pursuit of Knowing God
[48:15] - Fruit Versus the Tree: Seeking the Source
[51:18] - Identity and Generational Understanding
[53:13] - God’s Promise of Rest
[58:11] - God’s Assurance and Favor
[63:40] - Personal Story: The “Cool Table” and Divine Placement
[68:30] - Moses’ Bold Request: Show Me Your Glory
[71:23] - Hidden in the Rock: Christ Foreshadowed
[73:50] - God Reveals According to Our Capacity
[77:17] - Maturing into God’s Promises
[79:13] - Boldness from Relationship
[81:21] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “To Know Him Is To Love Him”

Bible Reading

Exodus 33:12–23 (ESV)

> 12 Moses said to the Lord, “See, you say to me, ‘Bring up this people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.’ 13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” 14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” 18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” 21 And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, 22 and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

Observation Questions

What does Moses ask God for, even after God promises to send an angel ahead of him? ([41:17])
How does God respond to Moses’ insistence that He Himself go with the people, not just an angel? ([53:13])
What is the significance of God saying, “I know you by name,” to Moses? ([58:11])
When Moses asks to see God’s glory, what does God do to protect Moses, and why? ([01:09:33])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Moses refuse to move forward into the promised land without God’s personal presence, even though he’s been promised victory and an angel? What does this reveal about his priorities? ([43:32])
The sermon says, “I don’t want the fruit. I want the tree.” What does this mean in the context of knowing God versus just receiving His blessings? ([47:41])
How does the image of God hiding Moses in the cleft of the rock point forward to Jesus, according to the sermon? ([01:12:21])
What does it mean for our identity and sense of belonging to be rooted in being known and loved by God, rather than in what we achieve or possess? ([51:18])

Application Questions

Moses was bold enough to say, “If you don’t go with me, I’m not going.” Is there an area in your life right now where you are tempted to move forward without really seeking God’s presence? What would it look like to pause and invite Him in? ([43:32])
The sermon talked about wanting the Giver, not just the gifts. Are there ways you’ve been seeking God’s blessings or answers more than seeking God Himself? How can you shift your focus this week? ([47:41])
Moses’ relationship with God was described as “face to face, as a friend.” What practical steps could you take to deepen your friendship with God, not just your knowledge about Him? ([41:17])
The message said, “We discover our true identity by knowing God.” Are there areas where you’ve been defining yourself by your job, relationships, or achievements instead of your relationship with God? How can you remind yourself of your true identity this week? ([51:18])
When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God only revealed what Moses could handle. Are there things you’ve been asking God for that you might not be ready for yet? How can you trust God’s timing and His wisdom in what He reveals to you? ([01:09:33])
The sermon shared a story about feeling out of place or intimidated by others, but finding confidence in knowing God. Is there a situation or relationship where you need to remember that you are a child of the King? How can this truth change your approach? ([01:19:13])
The pastor said, “To know Him is to love Him, and to love Him is to be transformed by His presence.” What is one way you want to grow in loving God this month, and how can your group support you in that? ([01:20:35])

Sermon Clips

29s

#RootOfFavor

“Moses is like, I understand that for your favor to be on my life, it requires me knowing you more. I don't want the fruit. I want the tree. I don't just want the fruit of favor. I want the tree. I want the very thing that produces that favor. Because when I understand you more, there's no limits to the favor on my life.”

32s

#TrustBeyondSight

“So the more I understand about these people that came before me, the more I understand of what I'm about to step into. And the more I understand about them, the more I feel equipped to step into my promises. Because God says that she's got promises on her life, but being able to step into those promises, she's got to understand who she is. And Moses says, before I step into this promised land, I need to understand more who I am. And to be able to understand more who I am, I need to understand more about you, God.”

47s

#KnownAndFavored

“She trusts that her mother wouldn't send her to somebody who wouldn't take care of her, she trusts that her mother wouldn't send her to somebody that wouldn't be set up to protect her and she trusts her grandmother to look out for her so when God says I'm going to send you into the promises he's saying Ariella I'm about to send you into things into things in your future but you got to trust me more than you even trust your mother because I'm going to send you into things that I have predestined for your life and I have gone and before you to make sure that you can rest in it doesn't mean you're not going to fight but it means that I'm watching.”

33s

#ShowMeYourGlory

“God is so loving this is why I named this message to know him is to love him because he's like he doesn't even get moved by Moses going back and checking him he's like I'm just going to tell you again Moses I'm going to go with you and as I go with you the favor of God is going to go with you I'm not only going to go with you but I'm going to bring my favor that's going to bless you and Moses I know your name.”

36s

#GoodnessTooGreat

“You're going to need to know him, but you're also going to need for him to know your name because there are going to be times when you're going to veer off because you think you're cool and you think you know it all and you're going to walk away from God and you're going to know him in a distance. You're going to be like, oh God, God, I'm cool, but I'm going to this party tonight. We catch you later. But God's like, even when you go into hell, I still know your name. You may leave me, but I didn't leave you.”

50s

#TrustedAtTheTable

“But Moses, I can't show you all of my goodness because you can't handle it. Because all of my goodness can't stand. You are walking in sin. So if I put you in all of my goodness, you won't be able to survive. Moses, you're asking for something you can't have. You're asking for something bigger than you understand the fullness of it. You're asking for something that your physical body is not equipped to handle. But Moses, come stand here by me. I'm going to put you in a rock, in a clef.”

38s

#PositionedForPurpose

“I'm going to put you in the rock of Jesus. I'm going to put you in a place. I'm going to put you in the rock of Jesus. I'm going to put you in the rock of Jesus. I'm going to put you in the rock of Jesus. That you can now, if you depend on Jesus, if you sit and you allow the rock of Jesus to sit in the presence of Jesus, if you allow his glory and you say, Jesus is my savior, then you have access to my glory. You don't have access to my glory on your own, but I love you so much and I understand your desire because you said, God, I want to know you more.”

49s

#FearlessChildOfGod

“But if I start sowing that seed in you now, you'll start spending time with me that you'll mature up to that level to be able to live the dreams that I put in your heart years ago. But if you stay in Jesus, that's the only way you're going to be able to handle it. That's the only way you're going to understand who you are. That's the only way you're going to understand how to resist the temptation of being high -minded and understand the significance of the position and the role that your relationship means to God and his relationship means to you and the fullness of knowing him. Because to know him is to love him.”

51s

“``If you hang out with me and you understand who I am and who you are in me, you have absolutely no need to be afraid of any place I send you because you're a child of the most high God. You're a child of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. You're a child who understands. You're a child that understands like, Hey, I know your name and you know my name and God, we can be friends, but I also understand the reverence. I also understand how to manage this relationship. I also understand that you are God and you are awesome and you are magnificent. And that's why when I know you, I just fall more in love with you.”

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Desiring God's Presence: The Heart of Relationship

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Presence Is Essential for Our Journey

Day 2: Knowing God Brings Favor and Identity

Day 3: God Reveals His Glory Through His Goodness and Mercy

Day 4: Jesus Is the Rock That Gives Us Access to God’s Glory

Day 5: To Know God Is to Love Him and Walk in Confidence

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Desiring God's Presence: The Heart of Relationship

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