KingdomView, Vol. IV, Issue 18 Scripture: (Psalm 27:8; Genesis 28:16)
How can we as the people of God invoke His presence in our worship experience more often? This question is thought provoking and the answer is multi-layered. For example, we would need to define what constitutes a legitimate biblical presence of God in a worship experience. Then, we would need to determine if our
definition would fit every worship experience enjoined by all Christians. Furthermore, would every worship manifestation of His presence have to be the same for all worshiping Christians? These are complex questions to reconcile if all of Christendom is considered which would have to be the case. Nevertheless, there is a more simple approach to this question. I would like to unpack this question with some basic biblical truths.
First, God is always present; theologians refer to this biblical truism as His omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-12). Moreover, there is a sense of His presence within every true believer for the Bible declares Him resident (1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 John 4:12, 13; Colossians 1:27). Furthermore, He is especially present when His people worship Him (Psalm 139:7-12; Isaiah 56:7, 8; Psalm 63:1, 2; Psalm 89:7; Psalm95:6).
Second, there is a sense in which we invoke God’s presence in our worship experience, or to say it another way, i.e., to heighten our sensitivity to His presence as we worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We can realize this desire by practicing five biblical truths that elicit the actions of every believer:
(1) Repenting of sin (Acts 3:19a)
(2) Performing the will of God; evangelism (Matthew 28:16-20)
(3) Engaging in passionate worship (2 Chronicles 5:11-14)
(4) Obey the Lord’s instructions (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4), and
(5) Standing firm in the Lord (Acts 7:54-60)
In the above referenced verses, there is a promise for or a special manifestation of God’s presence in each instance. Moreover, here is another thought for us to muse over. Not all churches express their adoration and worship of God in the same manner per se. Because Scripture teaches diversity in unity, not all churches are required to conform to a one- size-fits-all approach to worship as reflected in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 borne out in the discussion of spiritual gifts. However, we are all required to render proper reverence for the Creator in our expressions of worship. Accordingly, some of His Children will express their worship in various manners: bowing (Ps. 95:6); singing, dancing, lifting holy hands, playing music or weeping tears of joy (Ps. 7:17; 150:4; Luke 7:38).
In sum, there is a sense in which God is always present among His people, for He declared that he would never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5c). Therefore, when we assemble to worship and magnify His name, let us demonstrate His worth through a heart of sincere gratitude. Express this gratitude through your own God given temperament as we gather to celebrate our King and His goodness by following the exhortation of the Psalmist:
Psalms 100:4-5
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. (NLT)
Blessed be the name of the Lord, Amen!