“Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.”
1 Chronicles 16:27
I don’t really do the church thing,” says many believers.
So what exactly do you do? Where do you go to call on God, not to ask for a favor, or to get out of a mess you made, but where do you go to be in the presence of the Most High?
I’m not talking about becoming a ‘church folk,’ like they say, I am calling you to be counted in the presence of the One who made you. When was the last time you truly went before God?
It’s easy to recite the memorized words of a bible passage or to turn on a sermon online to hear the word. But are you present with God?! Or have you kept the King of kings waiting until you are good and ready to give Him some of your time?
I am often in awe as to how liberated we feel when we don’t have any pressing matters on our hands. I am amazed as to how ignorant we often become of the grace we have to not only breathe, but to breathe in freedom through salvation.
It seems we are eager to be present everywhere else to be seen, but shy away from the presence of God.
The funny thing is that the Lord sees you in your filth, in your most secret places, in your humble ways, and even in your evil thoughts. God is merciful enough to always be present with us as the loving Father He is. But are you present with God?!
When you make it to that bible study once in a while, are you really present with God?
When you make it to church once a month because ‘work won’t allow’ otherwise, are you really present with God?
When you drag yourself to that weekly prayer meeting to get some blessing, are you really present with God?
…And to you who feels as though your perfection or purity is necessary before you set foot in the House of the LORD, I pray over your thoughts today that all strongholds of lies, shame, and conviction be broken in the name of JESUS!
Friend, your perfection is not required, your presence is.
You have to be present, not perfect to see the glory of God and I am here to let you know that your absence has not counted you out. God has not crossed your name off. Nor has HE kicked you out of His merciful sight. But know that the Lord your God knows that you are not in His presence. Your Father knows that one of His children is yet to make it. And He is waiting on YOU still…
Come as you are,” says the Lord.
HE that makes all things new will surely renew and restore you in every way in Jesus name. Amen.