Tag: Presence

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Ancient beggar’s prayer.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful. Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A prayer of Moses, Psalm 90 is the oldest Psalm in the book of Psalms, written around 1440 BC. This Psalm declares how big God is and compares it to how fragile is the nature of our humanity – “dust that’s swept away.” But in these last verses Moses seems to beg God to visit once again.

Moses had seen a lot of pain and plenty of dark seasons in his day. Not just his palace to pauper demise, but his epic rise to challenge his former origin story, speaking for God and demanding the release of God’s people. Then to pastor a grumbling, bitter people for 40 years, wandering in the desert he was once banished to. For him to see so much misery mixed with miracles in this chaotic mashup is palpable. Oh, but once you’ve been in God’s presence and then lack it, it leaves a yearning, a vacuum. This is why Moses begs! And, not just himself, but also for “our children,” he writes.

I feel this tension, this dynamic dystopia even today. After having seen God move in spectacular ways, pouring out His Spirit and transforming the lives of those He touches, then it was over. We tried to keep pretending that God’s presence was still here, moving through the models of church growth, prosperity, seeker sensitive, politically motivational and attractional methods. As if we were trying to convince ourselves that the Church was thriving, even conquering the evils of government and culture. We all know that we’ve just been wandering in the desert, aching for God to move among us once again. Stacked up against us has been the next gen response of “church hurt,” deconstruction or, exiting their faith to synchrotize a self-made religion that suites them better. I deeply feel this ancient prayer of Moses, who only saw the promised land, but was prevented from entering it. “Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.” I also believe that God will once again pour out his Spirit on all flesh in the last days. I want to be reunion ready!

Prayer

​Dad,
I’m reminded of the words to the song, “Same God.” “I’m calling on the God of Moses. The one who opened up the ocean. I need You now to do the same thing for me. O God, my God, I need You. O God, my God, I need You now, How I need You now. O Rock, O Rock of ages, I’m standing on Your faithfulness.” Let our children see Your glory! Amen.

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God’s got His eyes on me.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Psalm 3 was written in response to David running from his own son, Absalom. The threat was real. The enemies, also real. For David, it was running and returning to the caves and previous hiding places that once gave him protection while dodging the mad King Saul. So, it’s back to cave dwelling and raw prayer requests, asking God to be with him, protecting him.

Interesting that David writes about God being both his shield and head-holder. Running on adrenaline, with cortisol coursing through your body in a well known fear response is exhausting. David had found safety, not only in the caves, but in his prayers, his confidence in God. David was well battle-tested in his faith. When he writes that God is his glory, he has determined that his own honor, reputation and future is totally in God’s hands, His control. That is an amazing feat of faith! Nothing at that moment LOOKS safe, or good, or honorable for a king who has run from his own son.

David then gives us another tender picture of a father who sees their child wrestling with fear, rejection, even failure. As the father looks on his son, he reaches out and touches his son’s chin to lift it up, now able to look at the father’s face. As the son raises up his face, his eyes meet his father’s eyes. What does the son see? Does the son see disappointment or shame? No! The son, meets his father’s gaze of love, mercy and empathy for the pain he knows is happening in his son’s life. When David declares that God is the lifter of his head, he lets the reader know that when he looks up, he finds solace, peace and comfort. In a cave, on the “mountain of God,” he finds God’s approval. And now when he sleeps, what happens? His sleep is sweet and he wakes up feeling safe! Because he knows God is well aware of his circumstances, well aware of his surroundings and well aware of his fears.

In that moment David can say, even though there may be ten thousand enemies that hunt me down, I will not fear because God is protecting me, guiding me and watching over me. “His eye is on the sparrow,” as the old song says, “and I know he watches me.”

I sing because I’m happy
I sing because I’m free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me
Psalm 32:8 & Matthew 6:26.

I don’t know who your enemies are. I don’t know what battles surround you. I don’t know what fears and pressures you face. But one thing I know, if you are a follower of Jesus, if you love God with all your heart, God’s got his eyes on you. Let Him be the lifter of your head. Look up and see your salvation, your comfort. Sleep well tonight and wake up in safety!

Prayer

​Dad,
Ever since I was little I’ve know you have been watching over me. Before I really even understood what was happening while visiting churches, I knew you were real and saw me. When I finally heard your voice and said yes to you, it all made sense. In that moment, I recognized your presence was with me the whole time I was going through really scary moments in our home. I am so thankful you watch over me! Amen.

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Symbols of God’s presence.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Tell everyone about God’s power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God! ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭68‬:‭33‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Psalm 68 is a response of celebration for the return of the ark of the covenant. The ark of God, carrying the memory items of miracles long ago: containing the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

The ark of the covenant had a circuitous journey through the years. The Philistines were bold enough to capture the ark but suffered because of it for seven months! 1 Sam. 6:1. It then goes to the house of Abinadab, where it stays for 20 years. This all took place under the leadership of the judges, before Israel had a king. Then king Saul commands Ahijah to bring the ark to the war camp and it secures their victory. David is the next king to move the ark from Abinadab’s house, but in his exuberance, does not instruct those carrying the ark, that God prescribed a very specific way of transporting it. A man named Uzzah, quickly found out that the ark was a normal cargo load and paid for his mistake with his life! Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. David was angry with God but he was also scared to death to mishandle the ark again. He had it taken to house of Obededom the Gittite, where it stayed for three months. In a complete over-the-top display of careful respect, David had the ark moved to Jerusalem. But he did it with a grand style and exuberant gestures! “When those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal – every SIX STEPS! That is extravagant and expensive. Then David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.”

Psalm 68 captures the words and thoughts of David as he brings the ark to Jerusalem, its last known home before Nebuchadnezzar raided the temple, then later burned it to the ground. After that, the ark disappeared into history. It won’t be seen again until the end of all things where it is mentioned in Revelation 11:19!

Prayer

​Dad,
So much mystery, so much drama and intrigue over the ark of the covenant. I read in Hebrews that these symbols and reminders are simply copies of the real thing store in heaven. That is so cool! There are so many powerful illustrations and object lessons in the Bible. I love it. What a paradox of life itself – some things are hidden to be discovered and some things are plain to be revealed for your purposes. All of it is to tell your story. Thank you for not just allowing us to participate in the human story of redemption, but specifically including us to have a purpose and a role. Amen.

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Feeling the presence of God.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. You brought us from Egypt like a grapevine; you drove away the pagan nations and transplanted us into your land. You cleared the ground for us, and we took root and filled the land. Our shade covered the mountains; our branches covered the mighty cedars. We spread our branches west to the Mediterranean Sea; our shoots spread east to the Euphrates River. But now, why have you broken down our walls so that all who pass by may steal our fruit? The wild boar from the forest devours it, and the wild animals feed on it. ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭80‬:‭7‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This idea of God raising up a grapevine, nurturing it, watching over it and giving it a place to thrive and flourish is a popular theme in the Bible. I just wrote about Isaiah (chapter 5) giving an object lesson about the vine and the vineyard. The Psalmist writes about it while Israel is in Babylonian captivity. It goes along with another familiar phrase, “the root of Jesse,” which expresses the promise of a messianic king who would be born of David’s family. God is responsible to keep and protect this root of His vine!

Jesus even refers to Himself being the vine root and speaks of the fruit of that vine in John 15. And, Paul picks up the theme in Romans 15. Then finally, Jesus refers to himself as the root of Jesse in Revelation 22. This overarching picture of God following through with his promise even though Israel (and us as well) have consistently been unfaithful and failing to keep our promises in obedience to God’s Word. God is faithful to fulfill His promise and from that “root” He will raise up a whole new generation of children. These are the children of promise through the faithfulness, not of themselves, but of Christ alone.

In the verses following in this Psalm we hear the desperate plea for God not to give up on His people. “Come back, we beg you, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Look down from heaven and see our plight. Take care of this grapevine that you yourself have planted, this son you have raised for yourself.” (vs 14-15). I get the feeling that people generally know when they are close to the Lord or far off from Him. I know for me, when I have wandered or just been careless with my love and attentiveness to His presence, I definitely knew it. I felt similar to the Psalmist. I wanted to be close again and hear God’s voice, feel the Holy Spirit working in my life. I would never want to get used to being far from Him. I would never want to be so far from God that I no longer felt His face shining down on me. Jesus is the vine; we are the branches. Those who remain in him, and he in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Prayer

Dad,
I clearly see that you have done everything to keep us (keep me) close to you. You faithfully and consistently come after us, wooing us, forgiving us and loving us. My part is to stay close to you, connected to you. The most difficult part is not even my sin, which separates me from your presence. It’s the shame and embarrassment of continuing to return, constantly coming back in confession and repentance. It’s trusting that you forgive me and receive me once again. It’s the not giving up, not drifting too far – that’s the hard part. Your word promises that you are faithful and JUST to forgive me and clean me when I come to you. I never want to be without your presence. I never want heaven to be silent because of my unfaithfulness to you! Amen.

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When God shows up.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This short Psalm was written when the first temple was being dedicated and the ark of the covenant was being brought into it’s new home. I’m not sure we even have words to describe the moment. This relief, excitement and sense of well being when the physical presence of God, purposely and symbolically represented in this elaborate gold, hand-crafted container, is in its place. As Ezra describes Solomon’s extraordinary opulent, abundance of decorum and cost of this celebration, no wonder it’s so grand! In 2 Chronicles 7, “Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats.” And so the king and all the people dedicated the Temple of God. Chronicles records that God showed up in spectacular glory, “The priests could not enter the Temple of the LORD because the glorious presence of the LORD filled it.”

God was so pleased with the unity, worship and massive display of gratefulness that he came to Solomon with a durable promise. The promise we often quote as though we, in our current situation, as citizens of the United States, could claim for ourselves. Even though it is not ours to claim. 2 Chronicles 7:12 “Then one night the LORD appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as the place for making sacrifices.” Then it says, “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. For I have chosen this Temple and set it apart to be holy—a place where my name will be honored forever. I will always watch over it, for it is dear to my heart.”

WARNING: NSFC (not safe for church)!

Wait, wait, wait… Am I saying that this promise, made to Solomon is not ours to claim. Yes, it is not specifically. Promises, especially these contractual promises are NOT ours to personally or corporately claim. Don’t throw stones at me yet. I do believe there are principles within the context of these circumstances that are applicable and can be emulated. Like the unity, the humble attitude, the outpouring of real worship and rejection of selfishness and evil – these postures are ALWAYS good and acceptable before God. In those moments I am positive that his presence is supernaturally present in abundance. Even in those completely unified efforts of humility and sacrifice of praise, I am sure that God would show up in forgiveness, mercy and possibly even new promises of restoration. The promises may even be better than Solomon’s promise. But this one was to Solomon and the people of God in that place and that time of history. I believe similarly about Jeremiah 29:11. Of course God has plans for us and they ARE good. But that contractual promise was for Jeremiah and again the people of God a that time. Principles can be applied but I do not take those promises as our own.

It’s kind of like, put in the work yourself! Spend the time with God. Press in and humble yourself. Repent and worship him yourself individually or as a community. Then maybe God will move, speak and give you (or us) our own promise, personally, even contractually! I don’t need to take Solomon’s, Jeremiah’s or even Abraham’s, Isaac’s or Joseph’s promises for myself (or our community) – I can go, we can go and get our own. Agree or not, this is a proper way to not only interpret scripture, it’s the better way to apply it!

These days of celebration and community commitments to God were beautiful. God’s response is miraculously amazing. We can even celebrate what God did then. However, we need to have our own experience and not just try to draft off of theirs. God is living and present now, not just in the past.

Prayer

Dad,
I love reading stories of the past and how you worked and moved among people back in time (history for me, present for you). However, I didn’t live, I don’t live back there. I am here now, today. And since I truly believe you are the same yesterday, today and forever (because you’re eternal), I would really like to have our own experiences now. In fact, I would love for us to practice the same posture that prompted your amazing promises back then! I want to practice humility, mercy, confession, worship and wonder before you today. I want us (our community of faith) to do the same. Not to get something from you but to experience an outpouring of Shekinah glory, your presence together! Because we want and need your presence more than just your promises. They needed you then, we need you now.