Delighting in God’s Presence

Dec 26 – Jan 2

Reach Out to Him

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/28/20

To delight in God’s presence, we must know Him−His character, attributes, and heart—as He has revealed to us in His Word.

The reformer Martin Luther once wrote, “God is everywhere; however, He does not want us to reach out to Him everywhere. Only in His Word. Reach out for the Word and you will grasp Him aright. Otherwise, you are . . . setting yourself up for idolatry.” People are drawn to greatness, whether the grandeur of creation or the fame of the eloquent. But if we stop at the creation and do not look beyond this to the Creator, we will wind up worshiping false gods and miss out on the only majesty that will satisfy our souls—the one true God, who deserves our complete worship and submission.

The good news for us is that God wants to be known. That’s why He chose to reveal Himself specially to us through Scripture. It is through His Word that God shows us His divine qualities and matchless character—His faithfulness, love, mercy, justice, grace, power, holiness, and more—that enable us to delight in His presence.

As you read, hear, and study the Bible, you will only fall more in love with the Lord. So plumb the depths of Scripture, and proclaim with the psalmist: “In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches” (Psalm 119:14, ESV).

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see Your majesty so that I might praise You all the days of my life. Help me delight in submitting to You and Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, . . .'” (Exodus 34:6).