“Developing a life in God’s presence above all else is the only way to fulfill our God-given destinies. Keys to our callings are released when we spend time there.”
Heidi Baker
The phrase, “above all else,” in the top quote, stands out to me. Our priority in life is to find the presence of God, be and stay in God’s presence, as well as carry His presence wherever we go. Moses understood the importance of God’s presence. In Exodus 33:15, Moses informed God it wasn’t good enough to just have an angel go with them into the Promise Land. He insisted the Lord himself travel with them. Moses didn’t only want God’s promise fulfilled; he knew the presence of God was of greater importance, so he chose God’s presence over His promise.
In Exodus 40:34-38, the cloud by day and the fire by night, represented God’s presence. The Israelites stayed put when the cloud covered the tent of meeting and God’s glory filled the tabernacle. But when the cloud lifted, the Israelites set out and followed it. Where the cloud was, they were. They didn’t move forward unless God was with them.
God’s presence and His glory will always have an effect on us. Moses, in Exodus 34:29, didn’t realize the skin of his face shone, after he spent time with God. We are also changed by our intentional time in God’s presence, and eventually, others will notice a difference. II Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
The more time we spend in the presence of God, the more we will reflect His glory. Like a moth that is drawn to light, so too will people be drawn to the glory of God they see in you, which will ultimately draw them to God.
King David, in I Chronicles 16:11b, admonishes us to “Seek His presence continually.” We experience satisfaction when we choose God’s presence over His promises being fulfilled.
“Truly, the presence of Jesus is all the heaven we desire.”
Charles Spurgeon
Relevant Reflections:
How do you make spending time in God’s presence a priority?
Is God’s presence more important than His promises in your life?
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