The Presence of God
I often wonder what it was like for God’s people before Christ died and left us with The Holy Spirit. Before we were cleansed from our sins. Reading from the Old Testament, we see that there was a much different type of relationship between man and God before the sacrifice of Jesus. Sin caused a great divide between God and His people. The presence of the Lord was not freely available for everyone to experience. On the contrary, it was only inside the temple, in the Holy of Holies, that the HIgh Priest could enter to be in the Lord’s presence. This only happened one time a year.
Today, as believers in Christ and as redeemed hearts, His presence is available to anyone, anywhere and at any time. However there is one act that helps us to enter into God’s presence and to bask in his goodness. Psalm 99:5 says “ Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; he is holy.” To worship God means to give our entire self; our thoughts, emotions, and actions over to God’s use. It is an ultimate act of submission. It is by this act of love and adoration that allows us to fully experience God’s presence. This is where true joy and fulfillment is found.
I think about when we attend a sporting event for our favorite team. We enter the “presence” of the team and we are excited. There is joy, and an energy from everyone around as they also experience the “presence”. People are cheering and shouting. The band starts to play the fight song and everyone sings along. Our team scores and everyone in the arena cheers. They are “praising’ and celebrating. It is a wonderful experience to be in that “presence”
God’s word tells us that is exactly what we are to do with Him. Psalm 98 tells us to “Sing to the Lord a new song” and to “ Shout for joy to the Lord, ALL the earth burst into song” Just as we shout and sing for our team, how much more are we to give that kind of celebration to the King of Kings. He is the creator of the heavens and earth, and the savior of mankind. How wonderful and amazing it feels to be in that “presence”.
Worship and praise is one of the most important parts of our walk with the Lord. The intimate relationship that is created and cultivated during those moments are what strengthens us and gives us peace and fulfillment. It is here we find the renewal our soul desires, and the depth we need. God knows the deep part of our hearts and puts that longing for something that will have true and lasting value. Psalm 100:2 says “ Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with song” This week, take 10 minutes every morning to worship and praise Him. To enter into His presence and fully experience all He is.
Until next time remember….
Stay Calm and Be Empowered.
