A number of years ago, a pastor/songwriter friend of mine wrote a song that has great significance today. The song opens with these words. “In his presence, his holy presence, burdens roll away. In his presence, his holy presence, troubles melt away.” As darkness settles over the world, especially over America, being in the presence of almighty God has never been more important.
As my friend’s song says, burdens and troubles move away from us when we are in his presence. I find it interesting that Hollywood depicts this as getting drunk, or high in some way. It never made sense to me. The next day the problem is still there, and now you have to deal with it, with a headache or some kind of queasiness.
Even though the problem is still there once the Christ-follower leaves God’s presence, there is a settled calmness, sometimes peace, that enables him or her to face the challenge. (all without headaches or queasy stomachs)
The question becomes, how do you get into God’s presence? You get into God’s presence by determining to get into God’s presence, just like the one who determines to pick up the drink and place it on his or her lips. You find a song, a quiet place, or an inspirational book (surprise, it does not always have to be the Bible) or a movie.
You allow your determination to take you as far as you need to go to find God’s presence. It could be as simple as closing your eyes and remembering a special time in your life, or singing a song that puts a smile on your face. The point is to do it, not try it, but do it, until God is there.
You might begin offering praises to God. At first, it could be as calculated as thanking him for something he has done in your life, or some good thing that has happened to you. Can you imagine the person wanting to forget his or her troubles grabbing a bottle of liquor, and only drinking a sip? “I knew it wouldn’t work,” they say. Do you suppose they give up that easily? (The answer is no, I will help you with these hard questions)
It is the same when you need to get into the presence of God.
I recall seeing a sign one day that said, desperate people prayer, and prayer keeps you desperate. Think about it. The time has arrived that a lot of desperation is being unleashed in the world. Getting into the presence of God will be a lifeline for those who are determined to get there.
The Bible has many verses that talk about God and his children. One place says to call on him, and he will answer. Another place says that he (God) is a strong tower for the righteous to run into to find safety. Still, another place says that he is a very present help in time of need.
Be determined to get into God’s holy presence. Whether you gather with a group of people or find a place where it is you alone, getting into the presence of God will cause burdens to roll away from you; it will cause troubles to melt away—awesome.