How to Live Permanently in the Presence of God

While searching through the archives, my attention was caught by an article written a few years ago following a comment made by someone. What happened was that at the end of a service, someone said to me 'I love our church, there is the anointing, the presence of God, the atmosphere is so clear...' I then wrote an article explaining that this is what the church is, faithful who gather in the 'presence' of God, who worship him in joy and freedom. In other words, this is what God has for you, and for your church. And he wants you to desire it.

Moreover, God knows how to connect us with circumstances and people who will fuel this desire in us. I'll tell you a story. In This item, I had explained how several years ago I had entered a church building in another country; immediately I was overwhelmed by the presence of God. And this in the entrance, before even setting foot in the worship room. It had stirred something in me. It didn't matter who was in that church, whether the musicians were good or not, whether the Pastor preached well or not, or whether or not there was a youth program. God was there, I hadn't come to do some shopping, but to meet God.

In this case, the Pastor preached well and the worship was wonderful. These people gave themselves to God, and He honored them with His presence. I went so far as to say that if this church had been in Paris, I would have gone there without even asking His permission. It changed me forever. The show, the thunderous, empty music, the atmosphere—no thank you. The presence of God, yes.

 

Make the right choice

Desire God's presence. The way we organize our lives, the relationships we have, the dynamics of the group we belong to all influence the degree of God's presence in our lives.

In a church context, we put a lot of effort into attracting people, into preparing a service that will please them. We can make every effort to ensure that people are satisfied and leave fulfilled, even if it means toning down certain aspects of the service that people don't really like, but which, paradoxically, please God. A famous American Christian magazine mentioned the fact that the word 'consecration', for example, is rarely heard in our meetings. (Some people accuse me of talking too much about holiness, but God has never complained about it.) It can quickly become a vicious cycle because we always have to do more to keep people's attention.

In reality, people's presence is fleeting. Those who do everything just to please them quickly become dependent on their goodwill and will be deprived of God's support. One day, these people will leave because someone else would have made more of an effort to attract them, would have a more beautiful worship space, or would offer a more attractive service. The stress this creates is unbearable, hence the 'burnout' that many servants suffer from.

When the purpose of our meetings is to please God, when everything we do is designed to invite His presence and honor Him, we benefit from His presence and function in peace. I love people, but less than I love God. His presence is more important than theirs.

[tweetthis url=”http://wp.me/pbLW8-1o1″ remove_hidden_hashtags=”true” remove_hidden_urls=”true”]I like people, but less than I like #Dieu. His presence is more important than theirs.[/tweetthis]

Years later

I don't remember who said those words, and I don't know if the person is still with us. What I do know, however, is that what the person said is even truer now than it was then. God has proven His goodness and His faithfulness. God gives us what we desire when it is in accordance with His will. When we desire His presence, He gives it to us.

I have only one message for you: 'Desire His presence.' Then 'cultivate His presence.' He will fully satisfy you. Everything that makes human existence beautiful is in Him, and in Him alone. The Bible shows that God never leaves people first; they leave Him first. If you cultivate His presence, it will never leave you.

It is therefore worth making the necessary decisions regarding dating and relationships. For God's servants, may God fill you with His graces, that you may lead your congregation in the quest for His Person. For me, there is no sadder fate than being the Pastor of a people who do not desire God. But when you desire Him, you will never be deprived of His support. This is the beautiful fate of those who give themselves to God.

[tweetthis remove_hidden_hashtags=”true” remove_hidden_urls=”true”]For me, there is no sadder fate than being a Pastor of people who do not desire God.[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis remove_hidden_hashtags=”true” remove_hidden_urls=”true”]Some people accuse us of talking too much about holiness, but God never complained about it.[/tweetthis]

Shalom!