Presence, Power and Peace

Father draw us into Your presence, Your power and Your peace.

This prayer sounds simple but when you break it down it is actually a very deep request. God’s presence has an immediate effect on those around it. There is a conviction of sin. This can be strong, so much so that those who are comfortable in their sin will want to leave. And those who are broken and know they are sinners but need hope will stay and weep. I remember the first few times I ever experience a strong presence of God in a church service all I could do was cry. I did not understand why or what was happening.

Psalm 90:8 (NIV)

You have set our iniquities before you,
    our secret sins in the light of your presence.

In the presence of God, we can experience many things. Conviction of current unrepented sins is the strongest when God is near. The only thing that can be done to experience more of God’s presence is once sin is recognized take the opportunity to concede that it exists, admit ownership and confess it in order to be cleansed.

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

The feeling of exhilaration and freedom that follows a true confession is amazing. It is like being in a dark, stuffy, damp room and opening the door to a sunny warm day with a light breeze. It is inviting and welcoming to just enjoy.

Asking to be drawn into God’s power is not asking for God’s power. It is asking to be swept into the hand of God which can guide and direct each move with His Spirit. It is understanding that our physical power is nothing compared to the spiritual power that God has available for us to walk in. It is understanding that in our own strength we cannot but with His we can do all things.

1Peter 4:11 (NIV)

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

God’s peace should be a driving force in our lives as Christians. If we have peace about what we are doing we will do it to our best ability and it will prosper. Sometimes we try to plow forward in life when God has not directed us where we are headed. This always ends up badly. But if we follow His peace no matter the trouble that stands in our way we will prosper and God will get the glory.

John 16:33 (NIV)

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I pray that as you read this today you will grow closer to God and what He has for your life. I pray God will draw you into His presence, His power and His peace and that you will come to know Him deeper with every passing day. Enjoy your week and I will be back next week with more.