Experiencing God's Presence #125

Experiencing God's Presence #125

A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.

Acts 2:43

The Presence of God has consequences. In this case, there were many: a deep sense of awe, miracles, sacrificial generosity, worship and praise, unity, joy, favor, and growth. When divine power is obvious—when the weight of glory fills a room, a building, or a city—the attributes of that power begin to manifest themselves. Hearts fall in line with the character of the God they experience.

That’s one reason it’s so important to experience God rather than just know about Him or intellectually understand His truth. We can read His Word and try to develop habits from what we’ve learned, but that’s an arduous process filled with fits and starts and many failures, and it works from the outside inward—eventually. But an encounter with God—or even just an increased awareness of His Presence—tends to impart His qualities to us. We begin to become like Him.

This happens when we’re around people we admire too. We subconsciously begin to develop their attitudes, emulate their gestures and expressions, and see from their perspectives. We grow into the models of thought and behavior set before us. At a much more intense level, we grow into the character of God when we spend time with Him—not by effort but by impartation. We become what we behold.

Be intentional about what you behold—or rather whom you behold. Seek such a profound awareness of God’s Presence that it provokes awe in you. Learn how to look at His works with wonder. Believe what Scripture says about Him, and notice the ways He graces your life. You will begin to incorporate His attributes into your own personality. And marvelous things may begin to happen.

Spirit, I want to experience the real You—not a false image or perception, but the reality of Your Presence. May Your character and Your ways “rub off” on me so that my heart can become like Yours.