Experiencing God's Presence #95

Experiencing God's Presence #95

Moses responded, “Then show me your glorious presence.”

Exodus 33:18

It wasn’t enough for Moses to know God’s Presence was going with him. He wanted to see God’s Presence—to experience His glory, to taste and see the goodness of the God who had been speaking to him. The promise of Presence wasn’t encouraging enough, and the fact of Presence wasn’t satisfying enough. Moses wanted an experience.

Think about who is asking the question. This is the servant of God who has seen a burning bush, watched ten plagues play out in front of him, walked through the parted waters of a sea, witnessed the provision of bread from heaven and water flowing from a rock, met with God face-to-face in a tent, and spent days in the cloud of glory at the top of a mountain surrounded by lightning, thunder, and heavenly trumpet blasts. Now, in the aftermath of an extremely reassuring promise of God’s Presence, he asks to see God’s glory. Apparently the drama of the Exodus hasn’t been enough. Nor have the audible words and extravagance of God’s revelation. He knows he has seen the things of God, not God Himself. And he isn’t yet satisfied.

Perhaps we don’t experience God today more than we do because we don’t have such holy discontentment. Perhaps we’re far too easily satisfied with the knowledge of God’s Presence rather than the experience of it. Perhaps we settle for much less than we’re offered. Regardless, Moses’ request is a model for us. If we ask to see God’s glory, He just might grant it.

Don’t be content with where you are spiritually. Don’t assume that the level of revelation you have right now or the experiences you’ve had with God are the norm. There’s more. There’s always more. Ask for it—persistently—and seek it with all your heart.

Lord, please let me see Your glorious Presence—more and more every day.