The presence of our God is powerful. We see the Scriptures indicate the presence of God in many different areas. Revelation 14:10 describes wrath being poured out on the ungodly in the presence of God; Isaiah sees a glimpse of the presence and glory of God in Isa. 6. and says "I am undone"; 2 Corinthians 3:17 indicates that where the Spirit of Lord is, there is freedom; and David says in Psalm 16:11, "in your presence there is fullness of joy."
This last one, Ps. 16, is one of those passages of Scripture that can be a life anthem of praise to God. David jumps in from the outset with his unworthiness before a holy God..."I have no good apart from you". This Psalm speaks of our desperateness for God...and it speaks of God's wonderful faithfulness to us - "For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption". How kind of God to show mercy to sinners who once hated him.
Titus 3:3-7 proclaims
"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
What a work accomplished through Jesus Christ! And by the finished work of Jesus Christ we may encounter the Father through the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts. And when the presence of God is there, there's joy. Delight and satisfaction in God await those who reside in the presence of God.
A couple of days ago a few of us gathered together to seek God's presence as a response to our church's week of prayer and fasting. And as it so typical, the Lord met us mightily...the Presence of God showed up and started dishing out joy. Joy that is a gift and response of the heart to work he did for us at Calvary and for ongoing work he is doing in each of our hearts. I came away more aware of the grace of God, than I was of my own sin...which is such a work of God - because, so often, I'm so "me-centered".
How kind of the Lord to so faithfully meet us when seek him. May we be commited to passionately pursuing the presence of our God daily so that our joy may be full in Him! May we ever be drawing near Jesus, our Savior. John Stott says:
"The Cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, we have to get near enough to it, so its sparks fall on us."
Let us draw near to the cross, let us pursue the presence of God, and let the result be joy!
I'll leave you with with this song we sing at our church called "Keep Me Near". May this be our prayer.
Keep me near O precious Jesus
When my days are filled with light
When the sun is warm and golden
And your goodness fills my eyes
Let me not forget whose mercies
Poured such grace upon my life
Keep me looking to you
Walking always at Your side
Keep me near O precious Jesus
When the darkness fills my sight
When the nearness of Your presence
Seems a memory in the night
Let me not forget Your mercies
In the shadows of despair
Keep me ever reaching for You
Resting in Your tender care
Keep me near O precious Jesus
To the cross of Calvary
Coming to You through the river
Where Your blood has washed me clean
Let me not forget whose mercies
Made a way for sinful man
Keep me ever drawing to You
Trusting You the perfect Lamb
- Written by Steve Cook & Todd Twining
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4 comments:
Excellent encouragement bro! "when the presence of God is there, there's joy. Delight and satisfaction in God await those who reside in the presence of God." That is so true! And how thankful I am that by the death of His son we can enter in to His glorious presence! Just as the song says "All my Joy is found in Him." Despite what might be going on around us or amongst us, good or bad, God is sovereign and His grace will give us strength to face the day!
Thanks david for posting that, this line encouraged me most -"I came away more aware of the grace of God, than I was of my own sin...which is such a work of God - because, so often, I'm so "me-centered"."
I have really been struggling with seeing my sin more than His grace lately. I have been discouraged with it, but not letting His grace pour joy into me! This was encouraging to me. SO thank you!
Hey...thanks for the encouragement! How kind of God to continue to draw us to himself to fill us with joy in Him.
Well I just found this blog and I have to say that God's timing is soo perfect! I have been struggling with thinking that my sin is to big for God's grace! Which is actually very prideful, thinking that my sin is too big for God!!! Thanks for sharing this! I am very encouraged to not look at my sin constantly but to remember that His grace is sufficient for me and that He will never let me go! May God be glorified through us learning and growing in godliness!
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