God’s presence, or at least what we believe to be his presence, is so precious, but we sometimes take it for granted in our churches. Sometimes we think we’re experiencing His presence when it is really our emotions; thus there are some people who have been in church, but have never even felt or experienced God’s presence before. The presence of God is a very complex presence in that it may make some people feel uncomfortable while making others feel peace. It will excite, inspire and encourage some, yet bring conviction to others. Because of its complexity you may some people actually fear God’s presence when it fills the room. There are even some pastors and preachers, who should be at home and comfortable in and with God’s presence, who get flustered and at a loss for what to do when the real presence of God comes into their services. These ministers are often uncomfortable because they no longer feel in control of the service. I don’t understand because frankly I want God in control. If He is in control then I know something out of the ordinary will happen.
For the most part people and Christians are people of habit. We come to church every Sunday and do the same old thing over and over. We sit in the same seat, we talk to the same people, we have the same routine and order of how we do things in the service and we expect different results. We expect God to show up week after week even though we’re serving Him the same old stuff. How many of us would go to a restaurant that served the same food every time you went? Not for long. I want variety and a choice, and so does God. He doesn’t want the same old stale routine religion served to Him that you gave him last week. He wants to hear a new song and a new praise. He wants a new place in your heart. He wants you to be uncomfortable, desperate, thirsty and hungry for more of Him.
Psalms 16:11 says: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
In order to get more of the joy and pleasures that happen in God’s presence you have to be willing to give more. If you want something new from God give something new to Him. Go after Him with something new. Sing a new song. Say a new prayer. Offer a new worship. Yield a new talent. Offer a new YES.
Ask God to rain down His presence on you.