"It is God’s presence that distinguishes us as His people. If we allow God’s presence to change us, others will see a difference and want to know what it is." Kathy Spampinato

I have been thinking about the Presence of the Lord for a few days, since I attended a worship service where there was a tangible presence of the holiness of God. It is hard to explain what was different from other times of worship. It was not because of the choice of songs sung, or the words used. It was not a result of the prayers prayed but it felt like a blessing from God Himself. Those in attendance were definitely seeking God, asking for the presence of Holy Spirit, and eager to experience Him. It seemed like the Lord knew the honest hunger of our hearts. The precious presence of God was not a result of our works, but of His blessing.

I suddenly felt like the songs were no longer being lifted to the heavens like an incense, but the Lord was coming down to experience the worship with us. The atmosphere changed, and people suddenly began to sing out with intensity. The holiness of God was felt, and the Pastor started reading about the worship in Revelation. We got a glimpse of being there, observing the worship of heaven. Some lay prostrate on the floor, others bowed down or lifted their hands and faces to the ceiling, and tears began to flow.

Rev 5:11-12,13b ESV “Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing'… To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.”

The Bible talks a lot about the presence of God and the power that resides within His presence. When Moses went into the tent to meet with God, …

Ex 33:10-11a, 14-16 “all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” And he said to him, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?”

It is God’s presence that distinguishes us as His people. If we allow God’s presence to change us, others will see a difference and want to know what it is. His presence is with us and will give us rest. His presence begins to develop the fruit of His spirit within our character. It will be evident.

Isaiah 43:1-3a “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel; ’Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Ephesians 2:18-22 “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

We are God’s people. Let’s enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Let’s be thankful and bless his holy name. (Ps 100:4) We can be blessed with experiencing His presence in our own lives.

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

God’s presence is with us, and in us. Let us seek to experience Him today.