How far will you go?

Since I've been reading through David Brainerd's diary, the primary thing that struck me is his fervency to enter the presence of the Most High. He was acutely aware of the presence of God. If he did not sense the presence of God he was struck with depression and the hideous nature of sin. He groaned and mourned that he would be far from God. But when God drew near to his heart, it is as if a bright light shone into his heart, warming it with heavenly virtue, love, and grace.

The thought occurred to me: how far am I willing to go to cultivate the Holy Spirit's presence in my life? We do not earn the right to enter into the presence of God through prayer, fasting, mourning, or any external action. By the grace of God, those who have been born again have the privilege of entering into the throne room of grace and speaking with God face to face as a man speaks to His friend. We have become the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 18:16 states, "A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men." When we give our lives to God, we receive of His eternal gift of salvation. In the words of the "Joy to the World," all people are exhorted: "Let every heart prepare Him room."

What is the presence of God worth to you? If you had to put a monetary value on it, would it be $5? $500? What would you pay for access to the ear of Jesus Christ? Our mouths speak words easily, but what does your life say? People pay thousands of dollars for a couple hours in a sports stadium! What would you be willing to give God for just a second in presence of your Creator and Savior? If it required not eating or drinking for a day would you do it? If it meant throwing your cell phone away? What if it meant giving up your most valued hobby? What kind of things hinder us from entering in to that blessed presence of God? Living in God's presence is worth more than the lives we choose for ourselves.

James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Let us cleanse our hands and hearts in the flow of Christ's blood. Before this can happen, we must set down the idols we carry. If we attempt to wash idols into this divine flow we pollute and blaspheme His sacrifice. There is hope for those who draw near in humility and faith, giving themselves to God. Oh the preciousness of the presence of God! May nothing stop us from entering into His presence with singing and into His courts with praise!