There is store in Fairfield, Ohio called Jungle Jim’s. Some of my family live in that town, so when I visit them, I usually make a trip or two to Jungle Jim’s.

In this store you can find lots of unusual items. Cheese and butter from around the world. Baked goods that melt in your mouth. Fruits and vegetables that are peculiar. Fish…there’s even a fishery in the store! And on the back wall there are rows and rows of foods from individual countries. If you’re looking for the unusual, Jungle Jim’s will have it.

However, the most unique item in the store is their restrooms. From the outside it looks like a row of port-a-potties. But then, you open the door and enter into a real, honest to goodness restroom. But you would never know if you never entered.

Being in God’s presence is a little bit like that. Some people just don’t want to open the door and enter into His goodness. Some know what’s on the other side and yet drag their feet. And then there are those who swing open the door without hesitation and enter.

Some of the biblical authors shared ways we can enter into God’s presence. So let’s look at them today.

In Psalm 100:4 (NIV), King David mentioned two ways to enter into God’s presence. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” Thanksgiving and praise are always a good start.

Jeremiah offered these words in Jeremiah 7:2 (NIV) “Stand at the gate of the Lord’s house and there proclaim this message: ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord.’” We are to enter into God’s presence worshiping Him!

On the road to Emmaus, Jesus spoke these words to the men he traveled with. “Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:26 – NIV) I believe some days we need to enter into God’s presence so that we might see His glory.

In Acts 14:21-22 (NIV), Paul spoke these words. “Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” Hardships will always find their way into our lives. But when they lead us into the presence of God, we will find great comfort.

In Hebrews 4:11 (NIV), we see that we can enter into God’s rest. “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.”

We see in Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV), that we can enter into God’s presence with confidence. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

Are you going through hardships? Do you need rest? Would a little thankfulness be in order today? Are you lacking confidence? Then perhaps you need to enter into God’s presence and allow Him to lavish these wonderful gifts upon you.

In God’s presence we are filled to over flowing. In God’s presence there is no darkness. In God’s presence there is fullness of life. In God’s presence there is everything and anything you could ever want.

God is calling us to enter into His presence. Are you ready to go?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna