“There is no greater privilege than being a host to God Himself. Neither is there a greater responsibility.”
Bill Johnson
The other day I pondered what it meant to host the presence of God. What does that look like? How can I become the ‘hostess with the mostest’ for my Lord?
Since moving to Wichita, we have had the pleasure of staying at our son’s and daughter-in-law's home as well as with friends when we visit Omaha. We’ve been the recipients of wonderful hospitality and can testify to the qualities of what makes a good host. They anticipate and provide for their guests' needs, such as having snacks and toiletries available. A good host welcomes their guests with pleasure by opening their home to them. It’s as if they’re saying to their guests, “Mi casa es tu casa” which is Spanish for “My house is your house.” Preparing meals and having clean linens are other ways to be hospitable. Good hosts look forward to their guests’ arrival and make their surroundings comfortable. They put their guests as a priority, have no expectations of them, and simply enjoy their presence by spending time together.
Likewise, we host God’s presence when we anticipate His arrival and look forward to His stay. We choose to sit still with Him, just to be with Him without any expectations, simply wanting to enjoy His presence. We welcome God when we give Him our attention and make it our priority to hear and heed His voice.
Furthermore, we host God’s presence by preparing our house for His visit as we purify our hearts through confession of sin and repentance. We make sure there is no unforgiveness toward anyone which leads to bitterness, and we choose a lifestyle of holiness. Other strategies for hosting God’s presence are having a surrendered heart and submitting to Christ’s supremacy through our acts of obedience.
Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” When we choose to host God’s presence, we will not only receive joy but a more intimate relationship with our Guest.
“Hosting God is filled with honor and pleasure, cost and mystery.”
Bill Johnson
Relevant Reflections:
Reflect on the last time someone hosted you at their house. What did they do to make you feel welcomed?
How can you do those same things as you host the presence of God?
Image by Daniel Kirsch from Pixabay