The Presence of God
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You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. – Psalm 16:11
Have you ever wondered how to access the presence of the Lord? We all know that His presence is a gift and that He has promised never to leave us or forsake us, but where is it? Where can an ordinary man or a common man tap into the presence of the Lord?
I believe there are at least two ways that will usher me into the miracle of His undeniable presence.
“For where two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am, in the midst of them.” - Matthew 18:20.
This Scripture verse reminds us that when we are with each other, He is with us. If you want to spend time with God, try spending an evening with a group of people who love Him. When you feel alone and wonder where the Lord is, invite some people over who love to pray and guess Who else will walk in your door? Find a small group Bible Study or a church where the presence of God is real and cherished.
When you surround yourself with others who are committed to His will and to His ways, you are also wrapping yourself in His very real and comforting presence.
The second way a person can place himself or herself in the nearly tangible presence of the Lord is through the choice to worship.
“But Thou are holy, who inhabitest the praises of Israel.” - Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
God dwells where praise is full and strong. If you long for your loving Father to make Himself real and known in your life, then you must spend uninterrupted time worshipping Him. God shows up when a man or woman of God defies events and circumstances with a heart that is overflowing with pure worship. If you wonder where God is, turn up the worship music and then lift your hands in the air because He is there! You are not alone. Sing out loud and sing out strong! He is there! You are not alone. Sing in the car and make a melody in the shower. Whenever you make a conscious choice to worship you have just placed yourself in His presence.
As you bathe in the comfort of fellowship and as you lift your voice in exuberant worship, the One who loves you most and knows you best will fill your heart with His joy. Wherever He is, joy also fills that place. As you splash in His presence, you will find yourself covered by His amazing joy.
Questions for Reflection:
1. When have you felt the closest to the Lord?
2. Why do you think that God “inhabits” the praises of His people?
3. Other than the promise of joy, what are some additional benefits of spending time in His presence?
