How to love the presence of God?
In Psalm 84:1, the psalmist glorifies the beauty of God’s presence. He recognises the presence of God as a friendly, welcoming environment. He goes on to express his deep longing to be in the presence of God.
My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. (Psalms 84:2)
The New Testament ministry began with anointing of the Holy Spirit, in the presence of God. Believers were in one accord, waiting for the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised. It is a miracle to me how despite knowing the nature of children of God, these 120 believers waited for 10 days. They could have been distracted, worrying about the future, or anxious about many matters. NO WAY! They had met the living Saviour, the Resurrected One! They were in the presence of the greatest friend man can ever have.
When a man meets the Saviour, he is full of Joy. The salvation experience draws him into the wellspring of life, Jesus Himself.
As I learn about the humility of Jesus, I find three faith based actions that enables me to truly experience His loving presence.
“O Lord, I am but Dust!”
Acknowledge who YOU really are in the presence of God. Dust. Nothing without Him. Can dust really be in the presence of an Almighty God? Never. Never without the grace of God (Jesus) covering us and the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) holding us (spirit, soul and body) together in Him.
The great King David in 2 Samuel 7:18, acknowledges his nothingness before the Almighty God. He is amazed by how a great God cares for him and his family.
Jacob, the Israel, considered himself unworthy of all what God had done for him (Genesis 32:10)
Moses confessed that he was no one to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11)
“I Love you, Jesus”
Pray with all your heart, mind and strength. Say it till you mean it. Be wholly surrendered body, soul and spirit. Bring worthy sacrifices of praise!
When Isaiah sat in the presence of God and saw the Holiness of God, he was beside himself. He could not stand his own unworthiness. He heartily cried out his true state to God. What happened? God cleansed him and revealed His glory in and through Him.
When Elijah prayed, mighty fire from Heaven fell on the sacrifice he prepared on the altar. (2 Kings 18:37, 38)
We too must present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. (Romans 12; full chapter)
“I am walking with Jesus; there’s nothing now to fear”
God says, my presence shall be with you always. It is His Word. When we love His presence in prayer and worship, our lifestyle too exhibits an exemplary walk of faith. A life separated from the world, enjoying the daily presence of God. Walking in signs and wonders.
True lovers of God do not go after signs and wonders; signs and wonders follow true believers.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:17, 20)
When Jesus prayed, He always humbled Himself to do God’s will. His vulnerable human nature was burdened and overwhelmed by God’s expectation of Him, yet He said, “not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
In His anguish, he earnestly prayed and His sweat drops became like blood (Luke 22:44).
His devotion to the Father’s will, helped Him complete the work expected of Him. (John 17:4)
God has given us the anointing of the Holy Spirit to receive strength so we stay devoted and walk worthy of the vocation God has called us to. Abiding faith that powers our walk with God - John 14:16,17,23).
What a joy we find in Christ in an increasingly horrible world. Pray, cry with tears, that more be saved for the glory of God.