"The Presence of God" by Mary Beth Woolard
“They
raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: ‘He is good! His
faithful love endures forever!’ At that moment, a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord”
2
Chronicles 5:13
This was the scripture for one of my devotions several weeks ago. It’s been churning in my mind and my spirit ever since. Solomon had finally finished the Temple and the day of dedication was at hand. The priests brought the Ark into the Holy Place…nothing happened. The musicians began to pray…still nothing. The people raised their voices in praise, proclaiming God’s goodness and faithfulness and love. Then the Presence of God filled the Temple. God responded to the worship of people who were hungry to encounter Him in His dwelling place.
God doesn’t show up simply because of our rituals or behaviors, even when those rituals and behaviors are good. He shows up in response to our heart attitudes, especially those that are expressed. Just as we are drawn to love, so is God. He comes close to those who love Him, hunger for Him and say so.
We need to remember that God’s presence is always with us, but He really shows up when our hearts are turned toward Him in praise. When we create an environment appropriate to whom He is, He fills it.
Let’s remember that when we gather together. God is more than aware of the problems which sit like stones in our hearts…He knows about our illnesses, our financial woes, our family issues…and He is working actively in our lives. When we come to worship, let’s do that…praise and worship a God who is deserving of all our adoration. Let’s come expecting His glory to fill our place of worship and our lives.
“Lord, You are so good! Your faithful love endures forever! May our mouths continually be filled with words that fit into who You are and may our lives be filled with Your glory.” Amen!
This was the scripture for one of my devotions several weeks ago. It’s been churning in my mind and my spirit ever since. Solomon had finally finished the Temple and the day of dedication was at hand. The priests brought the Ark into the Holy Place…nothing happened. The musicians began to pray…still nothing. The people raised their voices in praise, proclaiming God’s goodness and faithfulness and love. Then the Presence of God filled the Temple. God responded to the worship of people who were hungry to encounter Him in His dwelling place.
God doesn’t show up simply because of our rituals or behaviors, even when those rituals and behaviors are good. He shows up in response to our heart attitudes, especially those that are expressed. Just as we are drawn to love, so is God. He comes close to those who love Him, hunger for Him and say so.
We need to remember that God’s presence is always with us, but He really shows up when our hearts are turned toward Him in praise. When we create an environment appropriate to whom He is, He fills it.
Let’s remember that when we gather together. God is more than aware of the problems which sit like stones in our hearts…He knows about our illnesses, our financial woes, our family issues…and He is working actively in our lives. When we come to worship, let’s do that…praise and worship a God who is deserving of all our adoration. Let’s come expecting His glory to fill our place of worship and our lives.
“Lord, You are so good! Your faithful love endures forever! May our mouths continually be filled with words that fit into who You are and may our lives be filled with Your glory.” Amen!
