God’s Presence
We’ve learned that a healthy appetite for God’s Word is good for us. Let’s dig a little deeper by checking out some more verses on priorities.
As you read what these men of old desired from God, stop to consider what’s vital to you today.
Read Psalm 27:4
1. What is the one thing King David asks from the Lord? What does this passage say to you personally?
Read Psalm 27:8-9
2. What is David’s determination and his plea in these verses?
Read Exodus 33:14-15
3. What did God promise Moses? What does Moses say to God that shows how vital this promise was to him?
Read Exodus 33:16
4. What would this promise do for Moses and the people He was leading?
Read Judges 16:17-20 (You can read the entire story of Samson in Judges 13-16)
5. Why did Samson lose his strength? What didn’t Samson realize?
Can you imagine being unaware God had left you? Samson was not seeking after God but after his own pleasures. We’ve already discovered that losing our appetite for food can be a warning of a serious physical condition. It’s true in the spiritual realm as well. If we’re not hungry for God’s presence, we become complacent and indifferent. Being desperate for His presence ensures us of His continual company. Don’t lose your appetite for God’s presence. Knowing His Word and seeking His presence will distinguish you from others.
I love the way the Amplified Bible reads in Psalm 27. “Seek my face, inquire for and require My presence as your vital need.”
Think on that this week.
from Orlando, FL.
The thing King David wanted was to seek after the LORD – also dwell in the house of the LORD for the rest of his life – behold HIS beauty and stay in HIS temple – to me personally to dwell in the house of the LORD always – for me to dwell in HIS word each day of my life and for the LORD to always dwell in my life for me to be able to help other people who are hurting in this life. He wanted to seek the face of the LORD and for the LORD not to hide from him – no anger – not to leave him – because he was his GOD. GOD’S presence shall go with him and GOD will give him rest – if HIS presence does not go with Moses – then carry him up. This promise was they had found grace in HIS sight – HE would be with them. Samson was very silly in believing in Delilah – who was the Devil working through her – shaving Samson’s head was against GOD’S will – Samson lost his strength – Samson did not know about being shaved until he woke up – then it was too late – we must be careful chatting with everyone – maybe we do not know which one is acting like the Devil and will betray us. So many things to think about in this lesson for this week – we must be very careful if we want GOD’S presence to be always in our lives and I want his presence in my life more and more every day – just to be like him so that other people can see the LORD working through my life – wonderful lesson – I think I will just dwell on these thoughts for a long time – GOD bless everyone who reads this lesson. Thanks – Karen.
Great insight, Odella! I like how you compared dwelling in the house of the Lord to dwelling in His word every day. So very true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Moses was very clear…If God wasn’t with them, he didn’t want to go. I think this is where we should be on everything in our lives. It’s what Solomon was saying in Proverbs 3:6 (MSG).
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;.
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;.
he’s the one who will keep you on track.”
If God isn’t with us, we can be sure, it won’t turn out well.
Love that Proverb, Peggy! I like that version where it says to listen for God’s voice in everything and everywhere. That’s dwelling in His presence.
What a contrast between David and Samson…David desired, wanted the Lord’s presence. He and Moses wanted to please The Lord, but Samson even though he from birth was dedicated to The Lord, Samson desired, wanted his own pleasures before God’s. Our walk with The Lord is a daily commitment and choice we make each day and as you have said Karen, knowing His Word and seeking His presence (may I add) daily…will distinguish you from others.
I like that you brought out the contrast between King David and Samson, Anita. What a difference there was in these two men. Even though David sinned, he repented and sought after God. Samson lost God’s presence and didn’t even know it. Kinda scary! May the Lord help us all to seek first after God and trust Him with all those other things.
Psalm 27:4 reminds me where my deepest desire should be…the real desire of my heart. I feel like our relationship with God is one of the few things (maybe even the only thing?) that seems to work backwards in that the more we get, the deeper we go…the more we crave. It’s like a backwards hunger. The less we feed ourselves, the smaller our appetite gets. At least sometimes it seems to work that way for me. In Psalm 27:8-9…I do sometimes have to tell myself to SEEK HIM. Sometimes I CRAVE that time…but other times I have to almost make myself. Again, it’s like food…my spiritual body tells me when I have been neglecting my diet. If I’ve been living off junk food, I quit craving the good stuff, so I have to force myself to have some of the good stuff. And after a bit, it’s what I crave…the junk food no longer appeals. I LOVE Exodus 33:15. I have often prayed that scripture when contemplating a relocation. I cannot imagine knowing that God’s Presence had left me. What a terrifying thing! His Presence is vital…but oh how I admit that I take it for granted now & again.