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Running To The Presence Of God

Wednesday, August 28

1 Samuel 6:13-15 (NIV)
“Now the people of Beth Shemesh were harvesting their wheat in the valley, and when they looked up and saw the ark, they rejoiced at the sight. The cart came to the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh, and there it stopped beside a large rock. The people chopped up the wood of the cart and sacrificed the cows as a burnt offering to the LORD. The Levites took down the ark of the LORD, together with the chest containing the gold objects, and placed them on the large rock. On that day the people of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD.”
Devotion
The return of the Ark of the Covenant to Israel after being held captive by the Philistines was a significant event for God’s people. The Ark symbolized the presence of God, and when the people of Beth Shemesh saw it, they rejoiced and immediately made sacrifices to the Lord. They understood that the presence of God had returned, and they responded with reverence, worship, and celebration.

Today's passage of scripture invites us to reflect on our own pursuit of God's presence. Just as the Israelites rejoiced at the return of the Ark, we, too, should eagerly seek and embrace the presence of God in our lives. However, pursuing God’s presence isn’t just about rejoicing when we feel it; it’s about intentionally walking in righteousness, doing what is right, and shunning evil.

In today's fast-paced world, it’s easy to drift away from God's presence, distracted by life’s many demands and temptations. We might not have a physical Ark to signify His presence, but we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, constantly inviting us to return to God’s path of righteousness.

To pursue the presence of God, we must:

- Seek Him daily: Just as the people of Beth Shemesh rejoiced at the sight of the Ark, we should make time daily to seek God through prayer, worship, and reading His Word. 

- Pursue righteousness: Living a righteous life requires us to walk the straight path, make godly choices, and uphold integrity. 

- Shun evil: The Bible is clear that we cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). We must reject anything that compromises our spiritual walk. Whether it’s sinful habits, toxic relationships, or negative environments, we must shun evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9).

Returning to the presence of God is not a one-time event; it is a daily commitment. The people of Beth Shemesh not only rejoiced but also took action by offering sacrifices and honoring God with their lives. Similarly, we must not only seek God but also live in a way that honors Him. When we do, we will experience the fullness of His presence and the blessings that come with walking in His ways.

Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You that in Jesus I can offer myself to you as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God which is my spiritual act of worship. Help me not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Help my heart remain contrite and soft before You. Help me rise early to praise Your name. May the praise of Jesus be in my mouth and a two-edged sword in my hand. Help me not to be caught up in the cares of this world, but to be about my Father's business. You have my permission, indeed I entreat You to snap me out of it when I worry and focus too much on affairs of this world rather than seeking Your kingdom and righteousness. In the Name of Jesus, I Pray. Amen.

Apply It Today
When the Lord provides a miraculous answer for you, do you move right along to the next concern? The people who saw the miracle in this passage dismantled the cart and dedicated the day to worship God. When the Lord moves in your life, acknowledge it with worship and prayer, which are to God like the smoke of burnt offerings (in a good way, Psalm 141:2).

Resources
  • Watch the message, “Seek”, and become emboldened to seek the presence of God. 
  • Ladies, seek the Lord through fellowship as you join us for this year’s Divine Conference under the theme ‘Angels All Around’. You don’t want to miss it.