Presence of Holy God

I have felt the Presence of God so close I could nearly touch Him with my hand. I have also felt so distant from Him that I almost lost my way. I believe that as I read the Word of God, the Presence of God is cultivated in my heart. I can find connection to Him and my courage is built up.

The people of Israel had with them the Ark of the Covenant. The represented a lot of things to them, but certainly it represented the Presence of God among them. When the Philistines captured it, they were speechless. The high priests sons where killed in the capture and the high priest died when he heard about it. The Lord had a plan and He was making a way. Check this out…

1 After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 2 Then they carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon. 3 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. 4 But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. (1 Samuel 5:1-4 NIV)

The Lord didn’t like the Ark of the Covenant being used as a god. He was making it clear to the Philistines that He is not like any other god. He is the One True God. They sent the Ark to two more cities and devastation struck. The Lord inflicted more pain upon the Philistines than the battles with Israel for sure.

One thing is clear in this passage of scripture. The Lord “Expects Respect” and He will get it – voluntarily or involuntarily.

His Presence commands respect.

His Presence changes every moment that He’s in.

His Presence changes my perspective on everything.

I want to totally respect the Presence of God in my life. He gives insight. He gives Peace that others can’t understand. He gives calm. He gives clarity. He gives wisdom. He gives direction. He gives Hope. He gives grace. I can’t imagine life without Him.

Pressing On!

Dwayne