I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (Psalm 16:8 NLT)
The inner life of the disciple is first and foremost formed by the Word of God. The Spirit of God brings life and transformation, as we gaze on the beauty of Jesus, as revealed in Scripture. The Psalmist was careful to use his sanctified imagination to think on the nearness of God. This is not New Age visualization. This is meditation on the omnipresence of God. A. W. Tozer defines omnipresence well; “Omnipresence means that God is all-present. God is close to (for that is what the word means-“close to, near to, here”) everywhere. He is near to everything and everyone.” (1)
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)
When we enter into God’s presence in prayer, we should believe by faith, that he is all, and who he says he is, and a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. The Father rewards all grace empowered effort to be with him, and our acknowledgement of his all powerful presence. The Holy Spirit leads, directs, and guides disciples into all truth. But the truth is revealed corporately, not just individually.
Enjoying God’s presence does not guarantee that every thought we have is correct. But all the core truths of the Gospel that are clearly revealed in Scripture, must be deeply embedded in our souls.
God has given his Church Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, and Pastor/Teachers over the past 2000 years to guide his Church. (Eph.4) They serve as companions on our journey of faith. The inner life of the disciple can flourish even if we lack agreement, and understanding on some of the more difficult doctrines of the Bible. As we grow in understanding, we must always keep in mind those things that are of “first importance.” “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,”(1 Corthians 15:3-4 ESV)
Source: (1) A.W. Tozer, The Attributes Of God, page 118