Experiencing God's Presence #84

Experiencing God's Presence #84

They said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!”

Exodus 20:19

The Israelites had just been delivered through an “impassable” sea, they had drunk water from a rock and eaten bread from heaven, and they had won a fierce battle through supernatural intervention. But their comfort level with this God was low. They knew their frailty, they knew His power, and the contrast was scary.

Like many of us, however, Israel would be awed by this God on some occasions and treat Him with contempt on others. They feared His voice and hurled accusations against His works. They honored Him sometimes but took Him for granted more often. Their relationship with God was a volatile experience.

Many of us can relate to that. If we’ve pursued closeness with Him with any seriousness, we’ve known some ups and downs. We’ve experienced that on-again, off-again pattern common to many friendships. But in this particular relationship, which we absolutely have to have, the stakes are so high that we have to press on. We have to remember who we are, remember who He is, and seek His Presence—even when we’re apathetic, even when we’re busy, and even when He scares us.

We can handle the weight of God’s Presence only in limited measures, and that’s okay. He will increase our capacity for Him over time. It’s true that the weight of glory could be crushing, but He chooses not to crush us with it. He gives Himself to us in increments we can handle, even though they stretch us.

Take what He offers of Himself. Ask for even more. Don’t make the mistake the Israelites made and shy away. Pursue Him, even recklessly. He honors such desire with a greater measure of Himself.

Lord, I know the only claim I have to this relationship is based on Your promise, not what I’ve earned. But I come on Your terms and will take what You offer. Please, even if it overwhelms me, let me see more of You.