Joy in the presence of God

1 kings 9

After the building of the temple God came to Solomon again in a vision. YHWY had enabled Solomon to build a great temple. He gave Solomon the resources and the wisdom with which to use those resources. And now that the work was done, YHWY made it very clear to Solomon the tendencies of a man and a country who accomplishes much in earthly terms. God had filled the temple with His presence. Solomon and Israel's focus should be upon the presence within the temple and not the temple itself. If Israel was not to keep this focus then the temple would be simply a "proverb or byword among the people's". History records that God always keeps His promises.

It is so hard to distinguish the works of God from the presence of God within the deceptions of the human heart. When a man places his desires on the presence of God, the works of God naturally follow. But when the works of God become evident, the focus of that man turns to the magnificence of His works rather than His presence. Pride wells up within a man that blinds him to the the need for Gods presence. When the magnificent presence of God is forgotten then His glory is stolen and a great fall in the pride of man is sure to follow.

Father, may my heart be passionate for Your glory and presence. Open my eyes continually to see You within Your works.