Presence!

Presence!

Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 AMPC

Context and Charge:

Who could blame David? The excitement of getting the ark of covenant made David a bit careless about the care of the ark. He asked all of Israel whether they were pleased with his plans, but the bible did not record that he consulted God, or at least the records of how the ark was to be handled. The ark was placed on a cart carried by oxen, and then a man who was not authorized to touch it did so, and the Lord struck that man (Uzzah) and he died right before the ark of God. Before I claim to work for God, I must be sure that my pursuit is ordained by God. God has no business supporting something that does not line up with His will. Success in an endeavour does not mean God approves. If I will make a success of my life, I need to get direct leading from the One who owns my life. What does it profit a man if he is celebrated on earth, but heaven has no recognition for the labour? 

David learnt the hard way, but at least, he took the right steps. He commissioned the Levites so they could perform their assigned roles. He then committed a song to the hands of Asaph and his brethren, part of which is today's extract. I learn from David that it matters what is in your heart. I must know that I am dealing with a God of absolute knowledge; He wants to be a fundamental and foundational part of my life. He wants to take over my heart and set its pursuits and priorities, but He will not do so outside the exercise of my freewill. David knew the value of seeking the Lord, even if he missed it on this occasion, but for all of us reading this story now, we learn that it pays to seek the Lord. I must seek his strength with my whole heart; nothing less than my whole heart is hypocrisy, for which there is always a huge price to pay. Who/what do you seek?

Conviction and Conclusion:

God's Presence is man's greatest need. It is not his circle of influence, political connections or bank account balance, but who goes with you on the journey of life. At some point, the earth will take back or redistribute that which it gives, but it cannot give you that which it does not have, which is the presence of God. Men like David here and Joseph the son of Jacob knew the value of the presence of God, and they did all they could to preserve it. It did not matter what the physical circumstances were, with David caught in adultery, yet when he repented and returned, God forgave him. I must never leave the presence of God; He is the only one who can preserve my life in the face of pain and pressure. Whether I am in the pit, Potiphar's house or in the prison, or if God has elevated me to the palace like Joseph, I must not forget to take with me that which has eternal value: the presence of God. That is the way to victory; nothing else lasts. God's time of favour is here.