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The "Presence" Of God...?!
(Part 2)
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Psalm 27:8 (NIV)
In Part 1, we discussed what the "presence" or "face" of God was, and what it means to pursue it. Now we'll ask, How do I know if I've been in the presence of God?
Was It All In My Mind?
How do we know we've experienced God's presence? First of all, even if we aren't especially familiar with the presence of God, it's fair to say that we'll usually know that something has happened, although we might not be sure, at first, of what "it" was or whether its origin was supernatural & Divine or whether it was "all in my mind."
I believe that's a normal reaction, and it's helpful to acknowledge that up front because experiencing God's presence isn't just for the "super-spiritual" among us or those who are "wired" more emotionally. It is very much the gift of God to all His precious children, as I hope we'll see by the end of this article.
Soul-Deep Satisfaction
While it may not be the most compelling argument, it's worth noting that the presence of God is deeply satisfying to a believer. Not merely a pick-me-up, a "happy thought" or even a pleasant experience. God's presence is satisfying on a soul-and-spirit level. Incomparably and irreplaceably satisfying, and of the purest nature.
He is, in fact, all we were made for (see 1 Corinthians 6:13, 19), and eternal life consists in the in the intimate knowledge of God (see John 17:3). He is our Destiny and our Home. There is no place like the presence of God.
The Evidence Of His Presence
I subscribe to the philosophy that Scripture must interpret experience, not vice-versa. So let's look to the Word: there are many Scriptures that describe the work that God does and what His presence is like. There's no substitute for doing the homework ourselves, but let's take a look at just a couple examples here, and you can read up more on your own.
He fills and strengthens us with His joy:
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
(Psalm 16:11 NASB)
He shelters and comforts us:
You hide them in the secret place [the shelter] of Your presence (Psalm 31:20 NASB)
He speaks to us:
The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." ...the LORD was not in the wind... the LORD was not in the earthquake... the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV)
And there is so much more. He convicts, directs, searches, reminds, informs, cleanses, teaches, blesses, confides, reveals and gives discernment. And much more.
The Proof is in the Fruit
While there is something indescribable about the presence of God, often the most evident signs that God has revealed His face to us is the fruit He produces in us.
"I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last." (John 15:16, Jesus speaking)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Worship, humility, repentance, gratitude and an undivided heart. Comfort for the afflicted. A joy that is our strength. A renewed, fresh perspective on our sin, our need to forgive, our obedience, God's worth, God's truth. A breakthrough in some area of persistent hurt or a compelling desire to right an unreconciled relationship. A longing to live out our lives and our (sometimes difficult) circumstances for His glory.
All of these are evidence of an actual revelation of God's face. And His presence is not without effect. His presence produces godliness in His kids. His presence produces love for God, submission to His will, and a longing for His glory. By the way, and this is just from personal observation, God's presence is often accompanied by tears.
God Is Seeking... Me?
Does all of this still seem a little mysterious or confusing to you? That's OK. This is a great mystery, and even though I'm writing an article about it, there's no way I would claim to totally understand it. In the words of A.W. Tozer, "I will never bend my knees and say 'Holy, holy, holy' to that which I have been able to decipher and figure out in my own mind!"
But we do understand this: God's eyes are looking for a hungry, undivided heart. The Father is seeking that kind of worshiper. If God is seeking worshipers, then worship. If you're getting hung up on "experiencing God's presence" and your focus is beginning to change from your God to your experience of worship (that is, yourself!), relax! Just worship Him. That's what you were made for. He seeks worshipers. He'll come and find you!
God With Us
Remember that Jesus, Emmanuel, promised to be with us now and forevermore. That's our inheritance. That's His Word to us, and His Word doesn't fail. When He died, that curtain was torn from top to bottom so that all who call on the name of Jesus might have communion with Him. The prerequisite isn't a certain denominational background, an extensive Bible education or an extroverted personality. It's the blood. So seek Him. Seek His nearness. Taste and see God's goodness face-to-face. God is with us.
P.S.
OK, maybe there is one little how-to (based on Psalm 100:4 and Psalm 40:3... Spontaneously sing God's praise! It doesn't have to be a song you've heard before. It doesn't even have to be pretty. But offer Him genuine, fresh praise. Right from your heart. And I believe God will fill the room (more on that in a future tip...!).
related
resources
- On this site:
- The "Presence" of God...?! (Part 1)
A Hungry Heart - Off-site:
- Pulse... Your Rhythm, God's Heart (Lamar Boschman)
The Practice Of The Presence Of God (Brother Lawrence)
