Enjoying His Presence

The necessity of living in the awareness of God's presence has been overlooked for most of my Christian life. In reality, it wasn't until the last couple of years that I began to hear teaching on the subject. Oh, how I wish I had this when I was a new believer.

The psalmist declared that in the presence of God was the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). I want to go right ahead and say that you don't have to wait until you die to come into the presence of God. Far too many believers are waiting for eternity to live in the fullness of joy. Why not go ahead and learn to host the presence of God now?

Most of us have had days where it seemed like we couldn't get a positive outlook on anything. Difficulties, problems, etc. seem to flood our surroundings. But I have found that just one moment in His presence can change everything. Inviting God into your situation is also an invitation to experience His joy in the midst of it.

This is why we cannot wait until Sunday mornings to get into worship. Worship needs to be a part of our daily lives. Full blown, wide open worship has to be the heartbeat of who we are. There's a lot of people who struggle being open in worship during a service. Instead of struggling on Sunday, you can be as free and as intimate as you want in private. Here's a secret: that's when worship is really good ;)

Below is a link to a song by Bryan and Katie Torwalt called Holy Spirit. I was introduced to the Torwalts at the Awakening Conference in Chicago. The lyrics are profound in themselves (which I have posted as well), but I encourage you to go to the link I have posted and listen to the song. Who knows...this song may change the rest of your day.

Why not go ahead and learn what it means to enter the holy place.

*If you would like to listen to the song, copy and paste this link in your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcmUYDU-2DY

Holy Spirit - Bryan and Katie Torwalt

There's nothing worth more
That will ever come close
No thing can compare
You're our living hope
Your presence

I've tasted and seen
Of the sweetest of love
Where my heart becomes free
And my shame is undone
Your presence Lord

Chorus
Holy Spirit you are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by your presence Lord

Bridge
Let us become more aware of your presence
Let us become experience the glory of your goodness
Let us become more aware of your presence
Let us become experience the glory of your goodness
Lord

Every generation of believers needs to learn what it means to host the presence of God. In the Old Testament, Israel has the tabernacle and the temple. Each of these place contained the holy of holies - the place where God would dwell between the cherubim. In the New Testament, we become the temple of God. He dwells within us. Experiencing His presence isn't as much about what you see going on around you but knowing what God is doing in you.

However, I also believe you can enter into a place in worship where you experience both. An outward manifestation along with an inner realization of what the Spirit of God is doing. Sound like fun? Then take some time to get into His presence today.