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In the Bible, the Israelites were set apart from other nations in the land by one thing: the presence of God.
To use a familiar picture, when Israel was in the wilderness, they were led by the presence of God in the form of a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night (Exo 13:21).
At other times, God's presence manifested as a burning bush (Exo 3:4–6) or as a whisper (1 Ki 19:11–14a). The place where the presence of God dwelt was also associated with the Ark of the Covenant, which was kept in the Holy of Holies.
In the New Testament, the presence of God took a new form: Jesus! This is why He is also named "Emmanuel", which means "God with us". This was the presence of God in flesh, and was tangible to the people living in that era.
What does the presence of God mean to us today? The psalmist says in Psa 139:7–10, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me." That's what the presence of God is: inescapable!
How do we, then, respond to this? Do we live in the knowledge that God is here? Do we rely on the truth that God is wherever we may be? The Lord says in Josh 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." What a wonderful promise we can hold on to!
– alvin(:
What does it really mean when we say we're in the presence of God? If God is omnipresent, how do we "enter" the presence of God? How does it feel like when we're in the presence of God? If you've ever had these questions pop up in your head, then these articles are for you: here are two biblical perspectives of what being and living in God's presence is like, and what happens when we recognise that we're in God's presence. Hopefully these help you to dispel some of the queries you've always had (but never dared to ask)!
Sam Robson – Some Will Seek Forgiveness Others Escape
This is honestly one of the best things I've watched this month and I am absolutely blown away by the sheer vocal prowess and arranging genius of Sam Robson, who does an a capella cover of UnderOath's "Some Will Seek Forgiveness Others Escape". There is little that I can add about this, other than: (1) seriously go watch the video, and (2) this was originally a metal song(!!!). This is some true dedication to a craft. Go check out his other covers also – he does some Disney arrangements and hymns as well.
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Aaron Strumpel – Coming After You
Aaron Strumpel is an indie worship artist, and his music is best described by the word "approachable" – they are songs that are meant to be heard, felt, and sung. "Coming After You" is one of those songs, and in his own words, it "gives the listener the language of yearning". It's a beautifully written song that cleverly also incorporates parts of Psa 42, and the music video carries the same mood by depicting an intertwining between the light and the dark, providing a visual metaphor to the heartfelt lyrics of the song.
Also by Aaron Strumpel: Mightier, Twenty Three
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Fresh Life Worship – Closer
Fresh Life Church is a modern, youth-led movement based in Montana, and its worship ministry carries much of that same vibe in its versatility, creativity, and energy. "Closer" is off their first album, Fall Afresh, and talks about us drawing closer to God as He draws us closer to Him. The song carries a crisp beat and a plethora of overlaid synth sounds, adding up to a highly head-boppable tune. They write songs of other genres also, so do check out some of the other songs on their albums.
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Take heart, my friend, and step into your world with all the boldness and courage that comes with the assurance of God's presence with you(:
Over and out!
EUPHOR!A // ISSUE 14 // MAR–APR 2017