Standing in the Presence of God

The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)

Have you ever thought just how often we stand in the presence of God and don't appreciate that fact? Really! I think we do it far too often and we need to be more aware that we in fact are in his presence.

One of the blessings of living out in the country where we do, is that we get an unobstructed view of sunrises and sunsets. It's not unusual for my wife or myself to call the other one to come and drink in the beauties that God presents to us.

Now I have always enjoyed the beauties of nature, but I think in the past few years I have begun to appreciate it in a different way. When I see the glories of nature it is easier for me to remember the one who created those things for us to enjoy. It's not unusual for me to ponder these beauties for a few moments and offer my thanks to God for sharing them with me.

These simple pleasures are a reminder to me that I am standing in the presence of our God, the Creator of the universe. When you stop and think about it in that way, it is a truly humbling experience! Furthermore, how often do we really humble ourselves before our God?

James, the Lord's brother, reminds us:

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:8-10)

My prayer for you this day is that you will open your eyes and see that you are standing in the presence of God.