March 11 — Living From the Indwelling Presence
The divine indwelling is the soul of the soul. Thomas Merton
Gregg’s Reflection
When I first began to understand that God dwells within me, it changed everything. Until then, my spiritual life often felt like a search for God “out there” — through books, teachers, or experiences. But when the truth of divine indwelling began to sink in, I realized I didn’t have to chase after God. I could begin right where I was, because God had already made His home in me. This didn’t make the journey easier in the sense of removing struggle, but it gave me a steady foundation beneath my feet.
Living from this awareness requires a shift in how we see ourselves and others. If God is present in me, then God is present in every person I encounter, whether they recognize it or not. This transforms relationships — instead of seeing people through the lens of my expectations or judgments, I can look for the spark of the divine within them. In my coaching and ministry work, this truth has shaped how I listen, how I encourage, and how I challenge. I’m no longer just trying to help someone get better at something; I’m calling forth what God has already planted within them.
This way of living also invites a deep humility. If the Spirit is my constant companion, then I can’t take credit for the fruit that grows in my life. My job is to stay connected to the Source, to abide in the One who abides in me. Some days that connection feels natural; other days it takes every ounce of intentionality I have. But even then, the presence of God within remains unshaken, patiently drawing me back into communion.
Scripture
The one who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
Corinthians 6:17
Abide in me as I abide in you.
John 15:4
Ancient Quotes
God is more intimate to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine, Confessions, 3.6.11
Modern Quotes
The divine indwelling is the soul of the soul, the life of our life.
Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, p. 75
Once we live in conscious union with God, everything in our life becomes sacred; every moment becomes holy.
Richard Rohr, The Divine Dance, p. 54
Journaling Prompts
- How does it change your self-image to believe that God dwells within you?
- How might this awareness transform your relationships?
- What practices help you stay connected to the God who abides in you?
- Where is God inviting you to live more fully from the indwelling presence today?
Understanding Divine Indwelling is an important milestone in the deeper spiritual journey. It is not that God came to us when we were baptized. It is not something only for believers. The Divine Indwelling is the spark of God in every created thing. It is the spark of the soul with us since before we were born.
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 10 Reflection: Divine Indwelling