Panorama from Mt. Karangahake
Exodus chapter 25 describes in detail God's instruction to Moses as to the construction of a sanctuary, a tabernacle where the people of Israel might know something of God's presence. All people who seek God experience God's presence via the physical limitations of the body and the environment in which they live. Israel on the move through the desert exemplify this, as God provided for them tangible physical artifacts through which to sense the presence and to worship Yahweh.
The writer to the Hebrews offers insight into the the Old Testament practices, updating them with an understanding of the role of Jesus;
They offer worship in a sanctuary that is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly one; for Moses, when he was about to erect the tent, was warned, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.’ But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one. (Hebrews 8: 5-7 NRSV)
The better promises are that in Jesus the work of the Spirit in human perception is not limited to a particular tent or location, but broken open and dwelling within each person of faith. Jesus is the high priest of a new covenant.
I understand this but personally still experience the presence of God more fully in certain geographical locations, usually atop some hill in the bush where I can see for miles. Seeing the handiwork of the creation always helps me to acknowledge the creator and give praise where it is due, and experience the presence of God. Sometimes looking up on a clear night walking through the church car-park is enough to remind me of this.
The Celtic stream of mission and faith was mindful of nature, but this was largely lost in a Western church that became a kingdom of ideas and doctrines. Where do you feel closest to God? I'm always doing what I can to experience God's presence in the beauty of the world that God has created.
May you know God's presence in all of life's challenges and environments.