In keeping with the theme of being in God’s presence, I’d like to share a section of Scripture where the Israelites were coming out of a period where they were not in God’s presence.

The Israelite nation had been rebellious and God’s desire to bring them back to Him was strong. To draw them back, God used tough love. He allowed Israel to be taken into captivity and far away from their home land.

But when they returned, they rejoiced as they came to know and understand how glorious it is to be in God’s presence.

The Book of Nehemiah tells of this great event. With the walls of Jerusalem rebuilt, the nation of Israel could now turn to rebuilding their relationship with God.

In chapters 8 and 9 of Nehemiah, Ezra (the teacher of the Law) brought out the Book of the Law of Moses. From high above, Ezra opened the book and as he did, all the people stood. There was great reverence for the Word of the Lord.

The people stood and listened to the Word of God and then worshiped Him with their faces to the ground. The Levites then instructed the people in the Law. They read it and then gave instruction on its meaning and made it clear. They made certain that the people understood what was being read and taught.

Israel was grieving the fact that they had not heard God’s Word for a very long time, but they were told by Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites not to grieve. “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 – NIV)

God was rejoicing. Israel had returned to Him. They wanted to be in His presence. His greatest desire had become a reality. God didn’t want Israel to mourn or grieve. They were to rejoice for they had returned to Him.

After celebrations, fasting and continued readings from God’s Word, Israel came together once again and joined in an agreement with God. The final statement says, “We will not neglect the house of our God.” (Nehemiah 10:39 – NIV)

They understood the importance of being in God’s presence.

I wonder how often we (I) miss this in our own lives. We (I) miss the excitement and reverence when we get around to reading God’s Word or when we hear it in a worship service. I wonder what others might think if I stood in the crowd when God’s Word was read? I wonder why no one does this. It is a simple act of reverence to our God.

I also wonder how often we (I) miss spending time with God because of the junk that we’ve (I’ve) allowed to clutter our (my) lives and our (my) time. Junk that means nothing really. Just stuff or filler. Or mindless activities. And when we have no room in our day because of all the other stuff we have going on, our time with God gets pushed to the back.

We are the blessed generations in a blessed who are still in God’s good graces. He hasn’t allowed us to be hauled off to captivity to get our attention. But He wants our attention. Desperately. Mainly because He knows we need Him.

When our day is filled with disappointment. He wants to lift our spirits. When our day is filled with troubles. He wants to give assistance. When our day is filled with joy. He wants to rejoice with us. When it’s just an ordinary day. He wants to make it extraordinary.

But none of these can happen if we don’t spend time with God.

So what do you need to do to rebuild your relationship with God? From the passage of Scripture we know we must confess our sin of neglect. And then make a commitment to be with God. It’s that simple.

If you are in need of this today, why not take the first step toward God. Reach out to Him and feel the embrace of His arms wrapped securely around you. There is no greater feeling than being with the One you love.

Today is a new day. It’s a fresh start. There is nothing holding you back from being in God’s presence today…except you.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’” (Lamentations 3:22-24 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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