Undoubtedly, spending quality time in God’s presence is essential to our Christian journey. Think about it for a moment, how can you truly know someone if you don’t spend time with them? Well, the same is held true with your relationship with God. If you don’t spend time with God, then how do you expect to know Him.
When Paul said, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” in Philippians 3:10, he desired to know Jesus. He wanted to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and sacrifice his life if need be. Paul’s fervent desire was birthed from his unyielding dedication in spending time with the Lord. The more and more Paul spent with the Lord, the more God revealed to him. But, he knew the only way to have that experience was to remain in God’s presence (Philippians 3:10).
Just so you know; according to the Baker’s Biblical dictionary, the most common Hebrew term for ‘presence’ is panim, which is also translated ‘face,’ implying a close and personal encounter with the Lord.
Paul like many others wanted to maintain that close and personal encounter with God because they intimately understood that one moment in the presence of God can heal a lifetime of failure, heartache, and pain. 2 Corinthians 3:17 confirms, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Liberty means freedom. In God’s presence, you are free. You are free over everything that binds you. In God’s presence, you are made whole.
Beloved of God, in His presence, there is fullness of joy. All scripture reminds us that we will have everlasting joy and joy supersedes happiness because happiness is fleeting. You can be happy today but sad in five minutes. However, when you have joy, your house could be burning down to the ground, but you still have joy! You may have more liabilities than assets, but you still have joy! Your marriage may be on the rocks, but you still have joy! You may have a received a bad doctor’s report, but you still have joy! This type of joy only comes from God because we have a Father who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us (Ephesians 3:20).
When we desire to be in the presence of the Lord, He will draw closer to us. When we prioritize drawing closer to God, God will draw closer to us. His promises are true. But in order to receive the blessing, we have to stay in His presence. (James 4:8, KJV)
Simply put, there is divine covering, healing, peace, deliverance, spiritual growth, and favor in God’s presence.
I invite you to open your Bible today because it’s time for your intimate face-to-face (panim) encounter with God!!
4GIVEN 