Are You Growing in the Presence of God, or Sleeping?
King David cried out to God, asking not to be cast away from His presence (Psalm 51:11). David had disobeyed God and repented fervently.
The first man lost the presence of God because of his disobedience. God restored mankind through the obedience of Christ on the cross.
Christ entered the Most Holy Place for us (Hebrews 9:24). He intercedes for us daily, to present us blameless and holy before God (Jude 1:24).
When we lose God's presence, we become vagabonds — like Cain (Genesis 4:14). We end up spiritually sleeping — like Jonah.
The psalmist sings, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord'" (Psalm 122:1).
The prophet Samuel, as a child, kept growing in the presence of God (1 Samuel 2:21).
How Does a Believer Grow in the Presence of God?
Abound in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7)
Abound in faith. Can Jesus see your faith? (Mark 2:5). We must have the faith of the Son of God.
Abound in love (2 Thessalonians 1:3). Learn to love like Jesus (John 13:34). Take no revenge (Leviticus 19:18). Love produces forgiveness — forgive like Christ (Colossians 3:13).
Grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). Grace is given to the humble, and the humble learn from Jesus (Matthew 11:29). Knowing Jesus is eternal life (John 17:3). The Holy Spirit teaches us. Paul desired the excellency of the knowledge of Christ (Philippians 3:7–8).
When we remain humbly in His presence, we receive rest (Exodus 33:14).
Let God prepare your ground, dear saint. There is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11) and healing (Luke 5:17) in the presence of God. Healing is children's bread. 🥪
Maranatha. Praise God, and amen.
