Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
Ps. 95:2 English Standard Version
Worship the LORD with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Ps. 100:2 English Standard Version
Based on these two Old Testament verses from the book of Psalms, you enter the presence of God singing (or at least making joyful noise) from a thankful heart. Several verses in the New Testament book of Revelation establish praises and songs around the throne of God.
But is that how you come into God’s presence?
In the Christian song, I can only imagine one line goes something like this, will I stand in your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?
I don’t think the garden experience in the Old Testament book of Genesis was a musical with Adam and Eve singing a duet as they approached God. In one place, it says they hid when they heard God calling their names.
There are numerous chapters in the Old Testament book of Psalms when David cries out in anguish to God.
God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer.
Ps. 61:1 Christian Standard Bible
It does not sound like David is coming into the presence of God with a happy song. It sounds like a troubled man crying out for direction from the God he has devoted his life to serving.
How do you come into the presence of God?
You genuinely come into the presence of God, which means you come without pretense or performance.
Entering the presence of God is not about how well you read from the book of prayers. It is about how real you are when you open your heart (either verbally with your mouth or internally with your soul) to God.
Coming into God’s presence is not about religious performance. Sometimes you are happy, while at other times you are sad, or even mad. You do not lay aside your true feelings, put on your “happy” face so you can come before God—that is religion, and it gets nowhere with God.
A close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit means being honest with yourself and before God.
The reason you come into the presence of God
The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
You come into God’s presence to find safety.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Ps. 16:11 New International Version (David )
You come into God’s presence to find direction.
How great is the goodness
you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
safe from those who conspire against them.
You shelter them in your presence,
far from accusing tongues.
Ps. 31:19-20 New Living Translation (David)
You come into God’s presence for everything you need in life.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is learning how to experience the presence of God.
*It is a journey, not an event.
*It is a marathon, not a sprint.
*It is time-consuming, not a quick fix.
A close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is an unexpected journey of discovery.
Join me in the journey; it will be life-altering.