THE DANGER OF NEGLECTING GOD’S PRESENCE

THE DANGER OF NEGLECTING GOD’S PRESENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 13:3

Supporting Texts: Exodus 33:15; Psalm 51:11; 2 Samuel 6:6-7; Hosea 4:6; Revelation 3:20

INTRODUCTION:
The presence of God is the most vital necessity for any believer, leader, or nation. Without it, we are left to the limitations of human effort, which always falls short of divine purpose. David, understanding this truth, pointed out a tragic oversight during Saul’s reign: the neglect of the Ark—the symbol of God's presence.

Saul led with strategy but without seeking divine presence. This spiritual negligence resulted in many failures, including disobedience, loss of kingdom, and eventually his tragic death. This highlights the grave consequences of sidelining God.

The Ark represented not just a wooden box but God's dwelling, guidance, favour, and protection. Whenever God's presence is absent or ignored, confusion, defeat, and spiritual dryness follow. This message calls us to evaluate whether we are walking with God or merely functioning without Him.

1. NEGLECTING GOD’S PRESENCE LEADS TO SPIRITUAL BARRENNESS
When God's presence is absent, spiritual vitality begins to fade away.

a) Spiritual dryness replaces divine freshness (Psalm 51:11)
When David sinned, he cried that the Spirit not be taken from him. Without the presence of God, we lose joy and spiritual sensitivity.

b) Lack of guidance leads to poor decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When we stop acknowledging God, we begin to lean on our own understanding and miss divine direction.

c) Carnal activities replace divine purpose (Galatians 3:3)
Churches, homes, and leaders that once burned with God’s fire become routine and powerless when His presence is neglected.

d) God's absence exposes us to danger (1 Samuel 4:21-22)
The departure of the Ark signified the departure of glory. Without God’s presence, we become vulnerable to spiritual and physical attacks.

Biblical Example:
In 1 Samuel 4, Israel was defeated by the Philistines because they presumed victory without the presence of God. When the Ark was taken, Phinehas’ wife gave birth and named the child Ichabod—“The glory has departed.”

2. THE DANGERS OF FUNCTIONING WITHOUT DIVINE FELLOWSHIP
Religious activities do not equal divine approval.

a) We can have motion without progress (Numbers 10:33-34)
Without the Ark going before them, Israel could not journey properly. Many are busy in ministry without direction.

b) External success can mask internal emptiness (Revelation 3:17)
The Laodicean church thought they were rich, but they were blind and naked spiritually.

c) Disobedience becomes easy (John 15:5)
Without abiding in Christ, we lose the grace to obey, and we begin to rely on our own strength.

d) God's presence is irreplaceable (Exodus 33:15)
Moses knew that no angel or strategy could take the place of God's presence in the journey to the promised land.

Biblical Example:
Samson rose to fight the Philistines as usual, but did not know the Lord had departed from him (Judges 16:20). He functioned without fellowship and paid with his life.

3. HONOURING GOD’S PRESENCE RESTORES DIVINE ORDER
When we seek His presence, restoration begins.

a) God's presence brings clarity and peace (Psalm 16:11)
In His presence, there is fullness of joy and direction that cannot be found elsewhere.

b) Worship is restored (John 4:23-24)
Seeking His presence realigns us to true spiritual worship that pleases God.

c) Unity and reverence increase (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)
When the Ark was restored in Solomon's temple, the glory of God filled the house.

d) A new beginning is made possible (2 Samuel 6:12)
When David properly brought back the Ark, it ushered in blessings and divine favour.

Biblical Example:
Obed-Edom’s house prospered when the Ark rested there (2 Samuel 6:11). Seeking and honouring God’s presence brings visible transformation.

CONCLUSION:
The presence of God is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Any leadership, ministry, or life that functions without it will suffer decline, deception, and destruction. Let us not repeat the error of Saul who ruled without reverence for God's presence.

God’s presence must be consciously pursued, prioritised, and preserved. Let us, like David, determine to bring back the Ark and restore divine order in every area of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, restore Your presence in every area I have neglected You.
2. Father, help me to never lead or serve without Your direction.
3. O Lord, rekindle my spiritual sensitivity and hunger for You.
4. Every dryness in my spirit, receive the fire of God's presence.
5. I reject religious activity without relationship with God.
6. Let Your glory return to my life, my home, and my ministry.
7. Lord, give me grace to prioritise You above every other thing.
8. By Your mercy, undo the effects of neglecting Your presence in my life.
9. I open the door of my heart—come in and reign as Lord and King.
10. O Lord, like Obed-Edom, let Your presence bring blessings into my life.