The Atmosphere Of Heaven

The Atmosphere of Heaven

You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:3

GOD IS ENTHRONED ON THE PRAISES of his people. And in them. And through them. The translations may differ—the old King James Version gives us the beautiful image of God inhabiting our praises. As is often the case in God-inspired words, an inclusive interpretation is the best way to capture the fullness of what he says. He is enthroned already, but our worship enthrones him in our hearts and the situations of our lives. He is everywhere already, but our praises make his presence manifest in our words and actions. He may have already answered our prayers in heaven, but our celebration of his goodness makes his answers tangible in our experiences. When we praise God, something happens.

It makes sense if we think about it. The atmosphere of God’s throne room in heaven—where no evil, hardship, or obstacle dwells—is filled with songs and cries of worship. Isaiah told of seraphim constantly crying “holy!” because they could not turn their attention away from the glory of God (Isaiah 6:3). Revelation 4–5 shows us a powerful scene of worshipers declaring the beauty and glory of God and casting crowns before him. This is where God dwells already, and when he hears the echo of these praises from his people on earth, he enters in. He is already everywhere, of course, but his presence has manifested in different ways at different times throughout Scripture and the course of history. Our worship has something to do with how he manifests in our lives.

Praise brings the environment of heaven into earth, even into hellish situations. That is a powerful truth for praying people to cling to. We don’t ever want to make worship a tool to be used, but the promise of his presence makes for a compelling reminder of where our hearts are meant to dwell. When we enter into the climate of the throne room, the climate of the throne room enters into us. Our words, songs, and spirit are filled with the presence of God, and he makes his presence known. The gap between heaven and earth is bridged, a highway is prepared for our King, and he moves in powerful ways.

In prayer we act like men; in praise we act like angels.