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Recipe for Life — Enjoying God’s Presence

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listen to full sermon audio: In Touch Ministries > Broadcast > Today on Radio

Repeatedly in Scripture, we find that there is great joy and awe for believers in the presence of the Lord (Ps. 16:11, 21:6, 95:2; Is. 64:3-5; Jude 1:24, 25). Ecclesiastes 2:26 tells us, “God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight” (NKJV). Why, then, do so many people fail to enjoy God’s presence?

First, some may not really know Him. People sometimes mistakenly see God as an untouchable, invisible force that cares very little about His creation. But nothing is further from the truth. God desires a close, abiding relationship with you, and when you fail to realize the depth of His love, you miss a great blessing. He says to you today, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness” (Jer. 31:3). God cares for you deeply, and when you spend time with Him, He expresses that love to you.

Second, some people have an erroneous view of God’s attitude. God is not legalistic—expecting you to live by rituals and regulations. Rather, He cares about your heart—about your love for Him and your sincere desire to obey Him. Remember, “God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:17). You do not have to earn His acceptance. You do not have to work for His care. When you spend time in His presence, He teaches you His ways and how to live each day.

Third, as hard as it is to imagine, some people are simply afraid of the Lord. They see Him as unpredictable and full of wrath. Although God calls you to have reverence for Him—to respect His holiness—He does not want you to be afraid of Him with human fear. He tells us to fear Him, but we do this with a reverent fear—one that worships the Lord and acknowledges our love for Him.

First John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment.” This is why He so often tells His people, “Do not be afraid” (Gen. 15:1; Josh. 8:1; Luke 1:30)—because our lives are in His hands. He will lead, protect, and provide for us when we seek Him.

Fourth, sin breaks the fellowship God wants us to enjoy with Him. Sin not only blocks God’s best for us, it stops us from experiencing His wonderful presence. Yet God not only extends forgiveness, He also promises restoration to us. When we forsake our sin—repenting of it—He brings us back into fellowship and the blessing of His love.

Fifth, some people refuse to believe that God accepts them. There is absolutely nothing you can do to save yourself or to become more acceptable to Him. The Lord loves you the way you are! He never approves of sin, but He also is committed to loving you and teahing you how to know Him better.

How can you begin to enjoy God? Realize He enjoys being with you, and then learn to spend time with Him—trusting Him to meet all your needs.
 
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