Where has the “presence of God” gone?

Ask yourself these questions: “Have I ever felt the presence of the Almighty God before, and have I felt God’s presence in the last year?”

According to the Barna Research Group, one-third of church-going adults in America stated they have never felt God’s presence before. Furthermore, over half haven’t felt God’s presence in the last year.

This is staggering to comprehend when we consider that the very reason we go to church, and the reason we even call ourselves Christians, is that we want a personal relationship with God, and we desire to be more like Him. At least, these should be our reasons.

Church, however, has become much more than its intended purpose, filled with social activities, parties, fundraisers, man-made traditions, and rituals. These, unfortunately, have replaced the primary reason that God called us to gather together: to worship and to be changed.

The real problem is multi-faceted: • Many people have no idea what true worship to God means.

• Many people have not made true worship a priority in their lives.

• Many people have a misconception of worship, simply having allowed the traditions and rituals of man to stand in the place of what God truly intended. In fact, many have church completely backward; they feel as if their attendance at services is for their own personal benefit, not to worship God.

• Too many people substitute religious rituals for a spiritual relationship with God. • Many have a poor sensitivity to God’s spirit and His presence.

• Many really do not desire to confront sin, because true worship will bring true conviction.

True worship is creating an environment in which people can personally and intimately connect with God to glorify, honor, and bless Him. Suddenly, as a person truly begins to worship God, His presence begins to fill the room to the point that you can feel God and are challenged to be more like Him.

In the Old Testament Tabernacle that Moses was commanded to build, it was on the Mercy Seat, atop the Ark of the Covenant where the presence of God dwelt. Only the high priest could entertain the presence of God, only he could feel what it feels like to be in the presence of majesty, glory and complete holiness.

Yet, today, ever since the veil separating the Holy of Holies in the temple tore from top to bottom, when Jesus died on the cross, you and I can personally feel and experience the very presence of God in our lives for ourselves. Not dependent on a minister, not dependent on others, simply the fact that Jesus wants a personal relationship with you.

God never meant for church to be just something that we do. As if when we show up, we are clocking in, and then quickly clocking out when the service is finished. The gathering of people together, which we call the church, was meant for us to come together to worship God, to feel God’s presence, and in that presence, to receive from His word, so that we can be more like Him.

I encourage you, don’t let church be a ritual, don’t let it be a “job,” don’t let it be just something you do out of tradition’s sake. Let it be the place where you go to worship the Creator of the Universe, the Almighty God, Jesus Christ.

And one more thing: When you’re there, give God everything, and watch; you’ll probably feel God’s presence come all over your life. I guarantee, when you truly feel His presence, you will forever be changed.