Presence Over Presents

Scripture

Exodus 33:15 (AMP)

¹⁵ And Moses said to Him, “If Your presence does not go [with me], do not lead us up from here

Exodus 33:17 (AMP)

¹⁷ The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have asked; for you have found favor (lovingkindness, mercy) in My sight and I have known you [personally] by name.”

Exodus 33:18-19 (AMP)

¹⁸ Then Moses said, “Please, show me Your glory!”

¹⁹ And God said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion

Lean In

This week has been a week of intentionality as I prayed and delved into God’s word. Yesterday’s verse of the day from YouVersion Bible APP reminded me of how much God simply wants to spend time with us and wants us to desire the same. A few weeks ago, I attended Inner Glow, a gathering of women, where God met me right where I was. At this event, the atmosphere was conducive to spend time with God and bask in His presence. During one of the worship moments Lizzie Morgan and the worship team ministered the song 🎶Show Me Your Face/ Yahweh . It was my first time hearing the song and reminded me of the bible story about one of Moses’ encounters with God. It left an indelible impression on my heart. I have carried that song in my spirit since that weekend and every time I hear it, it reminds me of why being in God's presence is crucial for my daily walk with Christ.  

As I read Exodus 33:15, I thought of the song and I was moved to read Exodus 33 in its entirety in the Amplified Version. As I read, tears began to flow as I realized that no matter what we have or where we go, if God’s presence is not there, it does not mean anything. In this portion of scripture, it highlights how God kept His promise by saying that He would give them the land He promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in spite of being upset with them. God was upset with the people because they were stubborn and rebellious. He said that they would still go into the land, but His presence would not be with them. They were sad and mourned hearing this. This is when Moses decides to intercede for direction and grace. It was important to Moses that God’s presence be with Him and the people.

As I continuously grow in God, it is evident that God’s presence supersedes simply having what God gives us. The blessings/ gifts are great and appreciated, but His presence is better. In God’s presence, we find clarity, confidence, and relationship. When we spend time with God, it is not simply praying and giving God a laundry list of things we need Him to tend to. It is leaving space for God to speak, sing, and linger downloading strength, instruction, and clarity for our next. It causes us to align our heart posture to God’s desires.

As you draw near to God and long for His presence (Psalm 42), be in anticipation of want He wants to tell you. Be patient and be ready for the moment He shows you, His glory. I encourage you to spend time with God, because He has so much to tell you!

🙏🏾Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for loving me enough and wanting to spend time with me. Your presence is water to my thirsty soul. Thank you for being faithful and keeping Your promises in spite of my unfaithfulness (Numbers 23:19). As I draw closer to You Lord, show me your glory. Build up my spiritual stamina as I spend time with You. Help me to be patient as I wait for You to talk back to me providing everything I need. Keep me up as I long to see Your glory in my life, my sphere of influence, and in the lives of my loved ones. Prepare my heart to receive the downloads You have for me in our time together. God fill me with what I need, Lord. Mature me in Your word and align my life and heart to Your word. Touch me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet and linger where I need You the most. God, I just want You and I can’t afford to miss You in this season. Your presence matters to me and I long to learn the different aspects of You! Shield my heart and the parts of me that need You the most with Your efficacious blood. God, I trust You and I know that You have a mind-blowing plan for my life. I love You!

Amen

🎶Music Manna: 

Show Me Your Face/ Yahweh (feat. Lizzie Morgan) by Red Worship 

Water by Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy