What gives you the greatest pleasure? When I was young I thought it would be ministry or a new house or car. As I age I discover that relationships are the element that brings the greatest pleasure. We may really enjoy a visit at Christmas with relatives (or not!) But today let’s take a moment and treasure the presence of God in our lives. Even though He is always with us, we don’t need to take Him for granted. He is the most amazing person in the universe and He is willing to take time for us!
“Daily I will worship you passionately and with all my heart. My arms will wave to you like banners of praise. I overflow with praise when I come before you, for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else. You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul.” Psalm 63:4-5 The Passion Translation
Passionate worship
What does passionate worship look like? Mostly I think it means my entire being is connected- spirit, soul, body. I’m not saying one thing and thinking another. I’m wholeheartedly letting God know through my words and actions that He is the most important one in my life.
The anointing of God’s presence satisfies
God’s presence changes us. This is when we make a heart connection with Him and really give Him time to speak to us. It is more than merely reading the Bible or offering up a prayer. God’s presence joins us with an anointing that settles over us and changes us. Last night at church prayer we just sang praises and worshiped the Lord. Soon, His presence brought a peace to our minds and tranquility filled the room and settled on all of us. We weren’t in a hurry and we weren’t asking for anything. We were just enjoying our Father and Savior Jesus. I left changed. The weights and cares of the day just slid off.
Rich banquet of pleasure to my soul
God’s presence has a way of creeping into your soul. I like to define soul as my mind, my will and my emotions. This part of me needs continual maintenance. Just as you take a plate and fill it with all kinds of great food at a banquet, God fills our plates with His joy for your emotions, His peace for your mind, His love for your brokenness, His wisdom for your will. Let’s take time right now to sense His presence.
