What's God Really Like? Part 2
Yesterday we talked about the fact that the Bible gives us an understanding of God’s nature and character. While it is true that God is known through the pages of His Word, I would be remiss if I did not also tell you that we also gain knowledge of Him through His presence. However, before we go any further, let me warn you that knowledge of God only by experiencing Him without knowing Him through the Word will almost always lead to error and deception. We can get way off-track if we rely only on what we experience to tell us about God. We must know Him by the Word so we can judge whether an experience we may have is truly God and not the trickery of the enemy. With that said, let’s discuss knowing God by experiencing His manifest presence.
Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8 (New International Version, NIV)
When we approach the Lord in prayer and in worship, we draw near to Him. As we do so, He says He will do the same. Psalm 22:3 says that the Lord inhabits our praises, meaning He is enthroned in our sincere praise and worship. Often, when God’s presence arives on the scene, we are aware of it. We can sense Him, and miraculous supernatural events may take place, such as healings, visions, and the like. But most importantly, we gain a greater understanding and awareness of Who God is.
When God chooses to reveal Himself to us through manifesting His presence, we come to know Him better. A divine deposit, or impartation, is made into our spirits, and we gain a knowledge of Him that goes beyond our natural minds.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)
When we are in the manifest presence of God, we receive joy that we could not get elsewhere. Everything good can be found in the presence of the Lord. But most importantly, we find Him.
You can pass through his open gates with the password of praise. Come right into his presence with thanksgiving. Come bring your thank offering to him and affectionately bless his beautiful name! Psalm 100:4 (The Passion Translation, TPT)
So, enter into His presence through prayer, thanksgiving, praise and worship. He is always there, waiting to reveal Himself to you.
