Exploring God’s Presence with Kids

Helping children discover what the Bible says about God’s presence, His promises, and the wonderful reminder that He is with His people.

Have you ever heard a child call out, “Are you still there?”

Maybe they’re playing in another room, walking down a dark hallway, or trying something new. Sometimes just hearing a familiar voice answer, “I’m right here!” makes all the difference.

But have you ever noticed how often God reminds His people of His presence throughout Scripture?

He tells Joshua He will be with him. He promises to help and strengthen His people. And Jesus tells His disciples that He will be with them always. These aren’t just comforting words. They reveal something important about God and His faithfulness.

Let’s open our Bibles and explore!

I Am With You: Something I Noticed in Scripture

I was reading Joshua 1 when something caught my attention.

God was speaking to Joshua after Moses had died. Joshua was about to lead the Israelites into the land God had promised them.

What a responsibility!

And in Joshua 1:9, God tells him:

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (KJV)

We often notice the words BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE.

But look at what comes next.

FOR THE LORD THY GOD IS WITH THEE.

Did you notice that little word for?

God gives Joshua a reason to be courageous. Not because Joshua is strong enough to handle everything on his own. Not because the journey will be easy.

Because the LORD will be with him.

And when we turn back to Deuteronomy 31:6–8, we discover that Moses had already reminded Israel and Joshua of God’s faithfulness and presence.

Now look at Isaiah 41:10.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” (KJV)

There it is again!

FOR I AM WITH THEE.

God’s presence is connected to His promises to help, strengthen, and uphold His people. And here’s another wonderful connection.

In Matthew 28:18–20, after Jesus gives His disciples the command to make disciples of all nations, He ends with these words:

“And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” — Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

Different people. Different circumstances. But another promise of God’s presence! Joshua was preparing to lead Israel. Isaiah spoke God’s words of reassurance to His people. Jesus was sending His disciples into the world.

And in each passage, God’s presence matters.

The wonderful discovery isn’t that God’s people will never face difficult things. It’s that God is faithful to His promises.

Helping Kids Discover God’s Presence

Here’s a simple way to investigate these passages together.

Read Joshua 1:5–9.

Ask your children:

• What was Joshua preparing to do?

• What did God tell him?

• What reason did God give Joshua to be courageous?

• Did God promise Joshua that everything would be easy?

Now read Matthew 28:18–20.

Ask:

• What did Jesus tell His disciples to do?

• What promise did He give them?

• What do these passages help us discover about God’s faithfulness?

You can also read Psalm 139:7–10, where David reflects on the impossibility of escaping God’s presence.

Notice the difference between these passages: Psalm 139 describes God’s presence everywhere, while Joshua 1 and Matthew 28 include specific promises made to God’s people in particular circumstances.

Together, they help us discover more about who God is.

A Wherever You Go Discovery

Gather a piece of paper and some crayons or markers.

Invite your children to draw four places they might go during an ordinary week.

Maybe it’s their bedroom, the playground, church, or a grandparent’s house.

Now read Psalm 139:7–10.

Ask:

• Where does David imagine going?

• Can he find a place beyond God’s presence?

• What does this passage teach us about God?

Then write these words across the top of the page:

GOD IS WITH HIS PEOPLE

Talk about how God’s presence isn’t limited to a church building or a special place.

You might also read Hebrews 13:5–6 and discover how the writer connects God’s promise not to forsake His people with confidence in the Lord as our helper.

Keep the drawing somewhere your children can see it as a reminder of what they’ve discovered in Scripture.

The next time your child asks, “Are you still there?” it might become an opportunity to explore the wonderful promises of God’s presence in Scripture.

“For the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:9